Veterans Service Office

Click HERE to see more information on the "NEW" GI Bill.  When you reach the link, scroll down until you reach the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.

Please click HERE for the POST 9/11 GI BILL FEDERAL HOTLINE 
- 5 days a week - to help military personnel with their GI Bill questions.

You can click HERE for a link for the New GI Bill calculator.

Click HERE for updated information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Please click HERE for the impact of changes to the WI GI Bill on WTCS colleges.

If you served after September 10, 2001, and are currently using the WI GI Bill or plan to use the WI GI Bill, the following information is VERY IMPORTANT.  Do not make an irrevocable choice to change to Post-9/11, Chapter 33 Federal GI benefits until you have all the facts.  Click HERE for more information. 

The UW System has recently updated the attached website for the WI GI Bill.  Please click HERE for addtional changes and impact on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

Clarification of Ch 33 BAH Housing Allowance regarding credits in a term:
The case in point involves how VA will award the monthly BAH - Housing Allowance based on credits pursued by the veteran for a given term. Please note that the SAME housing allowance monthly rate is awarded to veteran students as long as they are pursuing as follows:
Must be greater than 50% pursuit during the semester. This means that a student who is attending a college and the minimum full time for the term is 12 credits the student has to take at least 7 credits (greater than 50%). The same BAH is authorized for 7 or more credits. Secondly, note that as a reminder from me - there is no housing BAH allowance awarded when:
- person is on military active duty under Title 10
- person is taking 50% or less pursuit for the term
- person is taking only distance education on line credits for the term
It is acceptable for a veteran student to take 6 credits on line combined with at least 1 in residence credit - for award of BAH housing allowance rate
NOTE: VA will treat nonstandard terms for Chapter 33 the same as existing procedures. This means that if a student pursues 6 credits for 8 weeks VA will determine equivalent training time and award BAH Housing allowance based on greater than 50% pursuit for the 8 weeks of the nonstandard term. Same is the case if a student pursues 6 credits of on line training for the full semester and
takes a 1 credit in residence subject that is scheduled for 4 weeks. VA would only recognize the CH33 BAH Housing allowance for the 4 weeks of the in residence term.   

Please click HERE for the Helping During Hard Times Guide.  
Facing the challenge of loss of job or reduction in hours, need for medical care, domestic violence, homelessness, house fire or other disaster, need for food or legal assistance? This is a list of many of the organizations in Washington County that can help you.

Please click HERE for information on how the Healthcare Reform impacts veterans & VA Healthcare.  As more concrete decisions are developed on aspects of the legislation, they will be added. 

Elevate America makes online computer training available FREE to all Wisconsin residents.  Please click HERE for more information.

Cell phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie & Brittany Berquist from Norwell, Massachusetts with $21 of their own money.  Since 2004, more than $2M dollars has been raised through their non-profit organization to provide calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.  As stated on their website “Cell Phones for Soldiers addresses the everyday emotional need that everyone has experienced: the imperative to phone home, to hear a familiar voice while far away.”  This program is intended to last as long as we have soldiers serving abroad.  www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
Phones can be dropped off at your local Chamber offices and phones/items can be dropped off at any AT&T store.

WISCONSIN VETERANS JOB FAIRS
Click HERE for a Listing of Veterans Job Fairs & contact person.
Click HERE for the Job Fair Flyer.  
See attached NEWS RELEASE from Workforce Development, Military Affairs, Veterans Affairs and American Legion.

WI GI Bill Update
The UW System has recently updated the attached website for the WI GI Bill - please click HERE for additional changes & the impact on the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Act, signed into law on June 30, 2008 (PL110-252), effective August 1, 2009, will provide up to 36 full-time months educational benefits for qualifying veterans for the 15 year period following discharge or release from the last period of active duty military service.  Click HERE for more information.  When you reach the link, scroll down to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Act.

Please click HERE for the POST 9/11 GI BILL FEDERAL HOTLINE   - 5 days a week -   to help military personnel with their GI Bill questions.


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WI Women Veterans Conference
October 22-24, 2010
After Years of Fitting in, It's Time to Stand Out.
Come and meet Kirsten Holmstedt, author of Band of Sisters and The Girls Come Marching Home.
Wisconsin Military Academy-Ft. McCoy
Check www.WisVets.com/womenvets for more information.

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On October 10, 2008, the President signed s.3023, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Enhanced VA Mortgage Options now available for Veterans of potential benefit to those in FINANCIAL DISTRESS. Please go to the following link for more information. 

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Click HERE for more Veterans events. 

To see the latest WDVA HOT TOPICS- click HERE.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has set a new interest rate for Primary Mortgage Home Loans at 5.25% effective September 18, 2009 at 4:30 P.M.  The funding for the Primary Mortgage Loan Program is derived from Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMB).  QVMB funded mortgages are limited to borrowers with certificates of eligibility marked as "ELIGIBLE FOR QUALIFIED VETERANS MORTGAGE BONDS."  Click HERE for more information.

FREE ACCESS to STATE PARKS and TRAILS 
Beginning October 1, 2008, certain disabled veterans and former Prisoners of War (POWs) are eligible to receive waivers of vehicle admission and trail pass fees.  Click HERE for more information and the application process.

TAX BENEFITS for State Veterans & Military Service Personnel. Click HERE for more information.

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SBA SCAM ALERT!!!  Please click HERE for more information.

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VA ISSUES PHONE SCAM WARNING!!

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a warning to veterans not to disclose personal information over the phone to callers claiming to update, confirm or verify VA-related information. VA reports the fraudulent caller's mode of operation includes asking for credit card numbers, bank routing numbers and other personal and financial information. A recent fraudulent call reported by a veteran included the caller claiming to be a VA employee and stating that the veteran's medical card had expired. The caller would then ask the veteran to submit a check over the phone to renew the medical card.

VA warns to be leery of any call originating from (888) 555-1234 for it is the number identified in the case above. Veterans with questions about VA services should contact VA at (877) 222-8387 or the nearest VA Medical Center. (Dated April 16, 2010)
 

Stolen Valor 

The new Web site http://reportstolenvalor.org provides contact information for the FBI, U.S. Attorneys’ offices, inspector general hotlines for the military services, and the Veterans Affairs Department and various media outlets, as well as a sample form letter. It also links to the Military Times Web site, Hall of Valor, created by private watchdog Doug Sterner. The verified, ever-growing searchable database contains more than 26,100 valor award citations ranging from the Medal of Honor to the Air Force Achievement Medal with Combat “V.” It is searchable by service member, award, conflict and keyword. That effort would at least be complemented in some manner by a federal database called for by the Military Valor Roll of Honor Act, which AMVETS also boosts on its new site. The bill, sponsored by Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., would require the establishment of a searchable public database listing the names of those awarded the Medal of Honor or any other medal authorized by Congress. The legislation now has 48 co-sponsors. The Hall of Valor database “is what has been developed instead, in a void, because the government isn’t maintaining these records,” Agg said. “I think it’s proper that the government should keep an accounting of its American heroes, of its war heroes. It should track military service in general, not just acts of valor.” [Source: NavyTimes William H. McMichael article 4 Dec 09 ++]

 

Business Resources

Information on business development resources - a training program for starting a business.  Interested participants can register on-line & click HERE.

Retroactive Stop Loss Payments
This message announces Army policy and procedures for implementation of retroactive stop loss special pay.  Click HERE for more information.  Click HERE for Frequently Asked Questions for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (SLSP).  For Stop Loss Recovery Instructions please click HERE - Wisconsin National Guard's guidance for veterans use to help them easily and effectively recover their entitlement.

DoD to troops: Tell buddies about stop-loss pay

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 7, 2010 9:57:15 EDT

  With an Oct. 21 deadline approaching to apply for a $500 monthly stop-loss allowance, the Defense Department appears to have exhausted most conventional means of trying to contact eligible veterans and is now asking current service members to get involved by calling any buddies who may be eligible.

"We are asking military members to tell a friend . if they know people who separated or retired and may be eligible for this benefit, remind them to submit a claim before the deadline," Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.

Stop-loss allowance applies to those whose separation or retirement was involuntarily extended between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. About 145,000 people are believed to be eligible but only about 30,000 have applied for the retroactive payments.

The average payment is about $3,700, enough that military officials believe eligible veterans would jump at the chance to get the payment if only they knew about the opportunity.

The low application rate has prompted concerns from key lawmakers, including Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., one of the chief sponsors of the stop-loss allowance legislation. On Wednesday, Lautenberg asked the Defense Department to explain what efforts have been made to contact eligible veterans.

Lainez said the Defense Department would respond directly to Lautenberg, but she defended the efforts to locate veterans. Letters have been send to veterans and their families, more than 95 military and veterans organizations have been contacted and information has been provided to the news media and to veterans medical centers and vet centers.

Still, the fact that all of that work has resulted in just 30,000 applications being received and processed is why officials are now asking for current service members to help, she said.

People should apply if they think they are eligible, even if the do not have all of the paperwork on hand to prove their claim, so they do not miss the Oct. 21 deadline, Lainez said.

Information on the benefit and how to apply is available online.

Related reading: Stop-loss now down to 4,000 soldiers, Army says

US Fish & Wildlife Service Visitor Center at
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
I am the new Volunteer Coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service Visitor Center at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (northern portion of Horicon Marsh), http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Horicon/

I would like to provide you with some helpful information and request your assistance in promoting the Visitor Center and its Volunteer Opportunities.

Let me start with the helpful information. Disabled veterans may obtain the free America the Beautiful Pass at our Visitor Center. Veterans may present their VA determination of disability, in person, to our Visitor Center Staff from Monday to Friday, 7:30 to 4:00 in order for this pass to be issued. 
http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm
Our request is to ask for your assistance in communicating to all veterans our volunteer opportunities. We conduct numerous projects focused on the preservation, protection, and enhancement of wildlife throughout the year. Veterans can review some of our continuous volunteer opportunities on our website at
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Horicon/volunteer.html
Anyone seeking an opportunity to volunteer can complete and submit a Volunteer Application for Natural Resource Agencies. The form can be obtained in the Visitor Center or at  http://fws.gov/volunteers/volOpps.html. Completed forms can be submitted to us via email horicon@fws.gov, fax (920) 387-2973, and by mail or in person W4279 Headquarters Rd., Mayville, WI 53050. We possess numerous opportunities and welcome inquiries. For more information on volunteering call 920-387-2658 ext. 24 or 15. 
Thank You
Arthur L. Wilkes
Volunteer Coordinator

A Veterans Day Message
From VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake

WASHINGTON (Nov. 7, 2008) -- Ninety years ago today, the guns fell silent in Europe. World War I - the "war to end all wars" - was over.Almost five million Americans served during that first modern, mechanized war. Our last living link with them, 107-year-old Army veteran Frank Buckles, observes this Veterans Day at his farm in West Virginia.

It is important, on Veterans Day, for all Americans to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans, from Mr. Buckles to the men and women who recently fought for us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their bravery, their resourcefulness, and their patriotism mark them as our nation's finest citizens.

Since 2001, the President and Congress have provided the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with a 98 percent increase in funding, and with the guidance and support to enable VA to honor America's debt to the men and women whose patriotic service and sacrifice have kept our nation free and prosperous; to provide them with medical and financial help when they need it most; and to build and maintain beautiful national cemeteries to perpetuate their memory and their accomplishments.

During this Administration, VA has met the challenge of a new generation of veterans: those tempered by war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who have defended America's interests elsewhere while their comrades served in combat.

The Benefits Delivery at Discharge program serves these separating service members at 154 locations, assisting them to file for VA disability benefits. To further help these men and women, a new insurance benefit is in place to assist them with the costs of living with traumatic injury; life insurance coverage has increased by $100,000; and the time it takes to process requests for education benefits has been reduced from 50 days to less than 20.

One hundred Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been hired to reach out to their fellow veterans throughout the nation and tell them about the benefits and services VA offers. Federal Recovery Coordinators are on board, actively engaged in helping severely injured veterans and their families navigate our system for health care and financial benefits. Our Vet Centers now provide bereavement counseling to families of those who have given their lives in the war against terror, and we've provided health care to nearly 350,000 new veterans-about 40 percent of all separated war veterans.

Our program to screen all veterans coming to us who served in Iraq and Afghanistan for possible traumatic brain injury is giving us great insight into how best to serve these men and women. Those who screen positive are referred for a comprehensive medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, and are quickly and appropriately treated. For those with very severe injuries like brain injury, amputations, visual impairment and burns, we've established Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers in Richmond, Va, Tampa, Fla., Minneapolis and Palo Alto, Calif., to provide the very finest, state-of-the-art care. They are examples of great cooperation across the continuum of care with the Department of Defense.

While caring for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans has been among VA's most important priorities, we continue to provide the full spectrum of care and benefits to our veterans of other eras. Since 2001, we've reduced our average number of days required to completely process a claim from a high of 233 days in 2002 to 162 days today and have reduced the number of disability claims pending from 432,000 in 2002 to 384,500 through a combination of process improvements, increased staffing and improved training. We've placed particular emphasis on adjudicating claims for veterans aged 70 or older. Our home loan guaranty limit has increased from $203,000 to as much as $729,750, providing a better opportunity for veterans who want to own a home. The programs to deal with the issue of veteran homelessness have measurably paid off, reducing the number of homeless veterans by nearly 40 percent from 2001 to 2007.

The number of veterans enrolled in VA health care has increased from 4.8 million to 7.8 million in the past eight years. Their care is provided by the Veterans Health Administration, an organization that excels in the provision of high quality health care, that has set benchmarks in patient satisfaction in the American Customer Satisfaction Index for seven consecutive years; that has substantially cut waiting times and improved access to care throughout the nation; and that has set, and met, a standard of 24 hours for initial assessment and a 14-day standard for comprehensive assessment of new mental health patients, thanks to more than 4,100 mental health professionals hired in the last five years.

VA leads the nation in the development and use of electronic health records, receiving the coveted "Innovations Award" from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2006. We've laid the groundwork for sharing electronic records with the Department of Defense, launched a web-based application to allow patients and their families to interact with VA physicians over the Internet, and worked hard to set the "gold standard" for health information security to protect the vital personal information veterans entrust to us.

Addressing readjustment needs and rural access, we have announced plans to place at least one Vet Center in every county in which there are 50,000 or more veterans. We are also purchasing fifty "mobile Vet Centers"-vans which will travel to rural areas throughout the nation to bring Vet Center services to veterans in rural and highly rural areas; we're also in the process of expanding our community-based outpatient clinics to a total of 782, an increase of 100 in five years.

Our National Shrine Program has uplifted the beauty of our cemeteries, and by the end of 2009 six new national cemeteries will have opened for burials, adding to the six cemeteries we have already opened since 2001.

I am proud of this great record of accomplishment, prouder still of the approximately 270,000 men and women of VA who daily fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for veterans and their families; and proudest to have had the opportunity to serve men and women like Frank Buckles, whose dedicated service to our nation in all its wars has enabled generations of Americans to live their lives in freedom.

Bugles Across America, NFP was founded in 2000 by Tom Day, when Congress passed legislation stating Veterans had a right to at least 2 uniformed military people to fold the flag and play taps on a CD player. Bugles Across America was begun to take this a step further, and in recognition of the service these Veterans provided their country, we felt that every Veteran deserved a live rendition of taps played by a live Bugler. To this end, we are actively seeking volunteers to provide this valuable service to Veterans and their families .

Our Organization now has 1500 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states and growing number overseas. Since the Department of Veterans Affairs is expecting more than 1/2 million veterans to pass every year for the next 7 years, Bugles Across America is ALWAYS recruiting new volunteers.

The County Veterans Service Officers Association of Wisconsin (CVSOA) is an organization of professional veterans advocates. In Wisconsin the County Veterans Service Officer plays a critical role in the veteran's advocacy system and is often the initial contact in the community for veteran’s services. Through the County Veterans Service Officer the CVSOA is committed to Wisconsin counties to provide a vital and efficient system of services and advocacy to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The CVSOA promotes legislation and policy at both the state and federal levels that is supportive of veterans’ rights and issues that are in harmony with our national obligation to veterans of the United States armed forces. The association provides a medium for the exchange of ideas and information, training, and support to facilitate the delivery of services to nearly 488 thousand veterans. The CVSOA recognizes the importance and merit of the congressionally charted veteran’s service organizations, and is committed to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship for the common good of all veterans. It is the intent of this organization that every veteran residing in Wisconsin receives the benefits and services to which they are entitled by law and moral obligation.

MATC Dental Hygiene Clinic

414-297-6573

Available Services Include: X-rays, Sealants & Fluoride Treatments

Monday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Firday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cleanings:
Adults (13-62) $10 @ MATC Dental Hygiene Clinic Health & Science Building
Children (under 12 & Seniors 63 older) $5 @ 700 W Highland Avenue H-115, Milwaukee, WI 53233

X-Rays:
Bite Wings $5
Full Mouth (includes Bite Wings) $15
Panoramic X-ray $10
Sealants $5 per quadrant

The Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) offered through WDVA may be used for: Additions, garage construction, repairs and remodeling (i.e. replace a roof, install new windows, a new furnace or a central air conditioning system) of a veteran's primary residence. Please, carefully review the following application to see if this loan meets your current needs.

Home Improvement Loan Program Application
You have the option of using a co-signer or real estate mortgage as security for the loan. If you choose to use a co-signer, you may borrow a maximum of $3000, and you must list the name, address, date of birth, social security number, and marital status of the co-signer on the HILP application. Loans secured by a co-signer have a 9.50% interest rate with a term of 5 years. Your spouse may NOT be a co-signer.

If you use your residence as security, you may borrow up to 90% of your home equity for home improvements. For mortgage security the applicant must have at least 10% remaining equity in your home after the loan is made. This means that the 10% equity is the difference between the fair market value of your home minus the sum of the existing mortgage(s) including the HILP. There is also a title search and recording fees of approximately $105.00. A copy of your last property tax bill or current property assessment, the property deed, and current mortgage balance are needed. Loans secured by real estate have a 6.00% interest rate with a term of 5 years, a 6.75% interest rate with a term of 7 years, a 6.75% interest rate with a term of 10 years, and a 7.25% intrest rate with a term of 15 years.

The information about WDVA benefits and services is not all inclusive and may change without notice.

The following are employment opportunities:

Job Opportunities for Seniors

Valuable Employment Resources for you on
MILITARYCONNECTION.COM

A Wisconsin Guide to Employment Services and Benefits
www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com

Elevate America makes online computer training available FREE to all Wisconsin residents.  Please click HERE for more information.

WISCONSIN VETERANS JOB FAIRS
Click HERE for a listing of Job Fairs & contact person
Click HERE for the Job Fair Flyer.
For an updated listing of the 2010 Veterans Job Fairs - click HERE.

A Veterans Job Fair will be held on Saturday, August 28,
11-4 pm, Milwaukee Theatre, 500 West Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee. 
Please click HERE for more information.

Employment Opportunities for Veterans
a Continuing Priority for
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Commandant - Veterans Home at King

There are 60 F/T & 40 P/T positions opening up at Potawatomi. 
   If interested contact Marc Lompre at    414.847.7769 or email  mlompre@paysbig.com.
Salaries are approximately $33,000.00 per year.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs-King is currently recruiting to fill Certified Nursing Assistant positions in our Bureau of Nursing Services. The job announcement can be viewed by clicking on the job announcement code below.   Interested parties may also go directly to the WISCJOBS website to view the job announcement and
application instructions:www.Wisc.Jobs, job announcement code 10-02917.

300 Vets are needed, ages 20-24, in a new one-year, all expense-paid Demonstration Project with ETA's Job Corp. 
Click HERE for more information.

Financial Specialist 4
Veterans Home - King

All spouses, parents and grandparents that have a family member in the military are welcome to come. There will be discussions on concerns that military families have, guest speakers plus other activities that the group decides on. There are no fees or admissions. Just come and join the group for an evening together. The meeting place is at West Bend American Legion in the Mutual Mall Building
(1043 S Main Street) located across from the Weiland's Fun Center every second Tuesday of the month from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm. For more information contact Robert Kudek at (262) 675-2801, Ed Denzin at (262) 334-4184 or Victoria Duncan at
(262) 384-3004.

Please click on the following link for more information about Military Service Credit.

My Healthe Vet is an Internet-based program that helps you work better with your health care providers and your family to achieve the best possible health. Joining My healtheVet is by choice. By joining, some of the features you will have access to include: Accessing a veterans' health library with medical conditions, medications, health news and preventive health, using tools such as a prescription checker, health calculators, and self assessment tools, and linking easily to benefits and resources available in VA and other federal sources. Please visit their website for more information - http://www.myhealth.va.gov.

Please click HERE for information on how the Healthcare Reform impacts veterans & VA Healthcare.  As more concrete decisions are developed on aspects of the legislation, they will be added.

Operation Afghan Lift

What is needed mostly is children's clothing. Items do not need to be new but in good condition. Other needs are all sorts of toys.

The Post Office has cartons of about 25 boxes. These are free as they have on them "APO" for a destination. The cost for sending each box is $11.95. It doesn't matter how much the box weighs so get as much in a box as you can. Get posters out to merchants, schools, PTA, libraries and even churches. All items will go the hospital in Bagram for distribution to other hospitals. You can also send needs for our soldiers (i.e., toiletries, books and snacks). Our troops have proven that this works.

On the box ship to:
         American Red Cross
         Attn:  Carol Porxee
         Bagram AF
         APO AE 09354

On the "Customs Declaration Form" enter the post address:
         TO:  American Red Cross
         Address:  Bagram AF
         Country:  09354

On the "contents section" put down stuffed animals or candies, etc. You do not have to list the quantity, but keep a list in case it's needed.  Check "#5" gift, #6 airmail, #13 sign and date.

On the upper right corner of the box, enter the items listed on the "customs" form and enter the names/addresses on the side of the box in case the troops want to respond. 

The following are requested items:

*small toy trucks or cars 
*small dolls & stuffed animals
*coloring books
*hand held computer games
*picture books
*pencils & paper
*crayons
*lollipops
*nuts
*raisins 
*gloves/mittens
*hats
*usable shoes
*socks
*combs & brushes
*small hand mirrors
*most any type of toiletry                     

If you have any questions, please call (608) 254-5235. 

The Partneship for Prescription Assistance brings together America's biopharmaceutical research companies,health care providers, patient advocacy organizaitons, and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them.

Through a toll-free number and user-friendly Web site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assitance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Many patients are eligible for public programs based on their age or income. Some patients in need qualify for private programs that offer prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The mission of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is to increase awareness of these programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. Please visit their website for more information.

The Personal Loan Program (PLP) offered by Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) can be used for any purpose. Please, carefully review the following application to see if this loan meets your current needs.

Personal Loan Program Application If you decide to apply, complete the application and schedule an appointment with our office to review your loan packet. Along with the completed application, provide a copy of all sources of income for one month (within the last 3 months). If you are self-employed, a copy of your most recent Federal and State taxes is required to include all addendum’s, specifically the profit and loss statement. If you are retired, proof of monthly retirement wages and/or social security income is needed. Also, provide the most current copy(s) of all your debts, including current loan balance on mortgage. On your application, you must list all credit cards, even those with no balance.

You have the option of using a co-signer or real estate mortgage as security for the loan. If you choose to use a co-signer, you may borrow a maximum of $5000, and you must list the name, address, date of birth, social security number, and marital status of the co-signer on the PLP application. Loans secured by a co-signer have a 8.50% interest rate with a term of 3 years and a 9.50% interest rate with a term of 5 years. Your spouse may NOT be a co-signer.

If you use your residence as security, you may borrow a maximum of $25,000. For mortgage security the applicant must have 10% remaining equity after the loan is made. This means that the equity is the difference between the fair market value of your house minus the sum of the existing mortgage(s) including the PLP loan. There is also a title search and recording fees of approximately $105.00. A copy of your last property tax bill or current property assessment, the property deed, and current mortgage balance are needed. The terms for loans secured by real estate are as follows: Loan Amount: $25,000/ Term 5 years = 6.00%/ Term 7 years = 6.75%/ Term 10 years = 6.75%

The information about WDVA benefits and services is not all inclusive and may change without notice. Please visit the WDVA website for the most up-to-date information.

Pre-9/11 Disability Ratings Review

October 27, 2008 – Military Health System

Servicemembers who have been medically separated since September 11, 2001, will have the opportunity to have their disability ratings reviewed to ensure fairness and accuracy.

The new Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) will examine each applicant’s medical separation, compare DoD and VA ratings, and make a recommendation to the respective Service Secretary (or designee). A disability rating cannot be lowered and any change to the rating is effective on the date of final decision by the Service Secretary.

To be eligible for PDBR review, a service member must have been medically separated between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2009 with a combined disability rating of 20 percent of less, and not found eligible for retirement.

There are significant differences between this new PDBR review and a Board for Correction of Military (or Naval) Record (BCMR/BCNR) review. These differences are outlined here and will also be on the application.

While the Air Force is the lead for the PDBR process, case tracking and reporting, a joint service board will conduct the evaluation and review of each case. Applicants will not be able to appear in person, but may include any statements, briefs, medical records or other supporting documents with their application. After the document review is completed and a final decision is made, each applicant will be notified of the decision and any further information regarding a change of rating.

Pending final approval, the application form should be available on this Web site on or about December 1, 2008. Applications will be accepted immediately thereafter.

Please refer to the FAQ document for more information about the Physical Disability Board of Review.

You may contact the PDBR intake unit at the following address:
SAF/MRBR
550 C STREET WEST
SUITE 41
RANDOLPH AFB,TEXAS 78150-4743

Please keep in mind that the office above cannot discuss the merits of your application. You may wish to contact your local veterans’ service organization for advice or guidance.

The DoD Instruction on the PDBR process is available here:
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/604044p.pdf

Property Tax Credit for Wisconsin Veterans and
Surviving Spouses

The Property Tax Credit for Veterans and Surviving Spouses program provides a refundable property tax credit for the primary residence (in-state) via the state income tax form for:

* Eligible veterans who entered the service from Wisconsin, must have served on active duty under honorable conditions, must have been a resident of Wisconsin at the time of entry into active service, or had been a resident of Wisconsin for any consecutive 5-year period after entry into that service, must be a current resident of Wisconsin, and have a combined VA service-connected disability rating of 100% or have been awarded individual unemployability (IU).

* The unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran. The veteran would have had to be an individual who served on active duty in the US armed forces, was a resident of Wisconsin at the time of entry into active service or had been a resident of Wisconsin for any consecutive 5-year period after entry into that service, who was a resident of Wisconsin at the time of his or her death, and who had a service-connected disability rating of 100% or have been awarded individual unemployability (IU).

Before claiming the credit, you are required to request verification from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) indicating that you qualify for the credit. If you qualify, WDVA will send you a verification of your eligibility. Attach a copy of your property tax bill and a copy of the verification received from WDVA to your State of Wisconsin tax return.

Click here for WDVA B0106, the information packet, application, and instructions. Please contact our office for more information or visit the following website - click HERE. For expansion to the property tax credit, click HERE.

For frequently asked questions, please click HERE.

Click here for the STARS AND STRIPES HONOR FLIGHT PROGRAM.

Click HERE to access the Bugle Newsletter.

"Dedicated to serving those who have served."

The primary mission of the Vet Center is to seek out veterans suffering life readjustment problems related to their combat experiences, or as a result of sexual assault/harassment occurring while on active duty. Vet Centers provide free counseling and referral services to facilitate a successful readjustment to civilian life.

David J. Hosking
Madison Vet Center Outreach Specialist
147 South Butler, Madison, WI 53703
Vietnam and Iraqi Freedom Veteran
Phone: 608-264-5342 Toll Free: 1-800-842-6355
Fax: 608-264-5344
Email: David.Hosking@med.va.gov

Dave Pellis
Outreach Specialist
Milwaukee Vet Center
5401 North 76th, Milwaukee, WI 53218
Iraqi Freedom Veteran
Phone: 414-536-1301 Fax: 414-536-1568
Email: David.Pellis@med.va.gov

To locate other Vet Centers call 1-800-827-1000, or visit us on the web at http://www.va.gov/rcs

Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center is reaching out to returning combat veterans and their families to facilitate the heatlhy transition from deployment to normal civilian life.

Despite the best efforts of the military, VA and numerous other providers, statistics show that many veterans and their families struggle with re-socialization, parenting, educaiton, extreme stress reactions, and employment.

The mission of Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center is to understand and assist veterans and families who are dealing with the stress of deployment, coming home, and change.

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Ceter is prepared to offer numerous outreach activities: Education and Support to individuals, families, and communities, Clinical expertise and networking resources, Information and discussion groups to navigate the VA system, Training for local community civiliam providers, and Research.

Milwaukee VA Outreach Team

Andrew Hendrickson, R.N.
Registered Nurse
Retired USAR Officer
OEF Veteran
Former OIC of Medical Ward in Afghanistan

Eric Proescher, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Former Active Duty Navy
Former Military Psychologist
OEF Veteran

The Washington County Veteran's newsletter is geared in helping keep veterans up to date on current happenings and changes of VA Benefits. Please click HERE for the most current "Washington County Veteran's Newsletter". Thank you.

WDVA publishes several newsletters. The "Forward Veterans" is published quarterly and contains news and events about the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. "The Bugle" is published quarterly by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation with current news, programs, and events of the museum. "The Courier" is a monthly publication of the Veterans Home at King with news and recent and upcoming events.  Click HERE to view these newsletters.

Welcome, H.O.M.E. (House of Modification Examples), was formed for the purpose of improving the quality of life for persons living with physical disabilities. By designing, building and maintaining a unique single family home we have created a vehicle for providing information, and examples of barrier free living design. Located 30 miles north of Milwaukee, and minutes west of Lake Michigan, Welcome, H.O.M.E. is a "living laboratory", giving visiting individuals the chance to experiment with different adaptations, household devices or fixtures and adaptive equipment. Guests may explore the entire home, at their leisure, to determine the design that will work best for them in their own homes. Welcome, H.O.M.E. is also a bed and breakfast. Open to the public year round. Please visit the following link for more information and photos of Welcome, H.O.M.E. Bed and Breakfast.

These benefits, programs, and services are provided by the State of Wisconsin in order to supplement and complement those provided to veterans by the federal government. These include benefits, programs, and services to assist Wisconsin veterans in enhancing their education and employment, purchasing or remodeling a home in Wisconsin, traveling to federal VA medical appointments, obtaining needed health care services not provided by federal VA health care, overcoming barriers to employment, obtaining needed subsistence assistance in emergency situations, assistance in discharge upgrades, and obtaining medals that were not issued or lost,among many others.

Wisconsin operates several state programs that were traditionally in the domain of the federal government, including veterans’ homes, which provide skilled nursing and assisted living, and veterans cemeteries. Other state programs include a homeless transitional assistance program and a comprehensive, statewide military funeral honors program that includes training, coordination, and services.

Please click on the following link for a more detailed list of Benefits for WI Veterans Programs, Benefits, and Services.

The Wisconsin Veterans home at King, near Waupaca, is a pleasant retirement community where aging or disabled Wisconsin veterans and their spouses can spend their retirement years in comfort and dignity. Founded in 1887, the home is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. With 749 beds and almost 800 employees, it is the largest and one of the most modern skilled nursing care facilites in Wisconsin. In additon to nursing care, the home offers a wide range of programs and services to its member. Please click on the following link for more information about KING Veterans Home. For a free tour of the facility, please call
(715) 258-5586, extension 2316. For cost of care, please click HERE. If you would like more information or a booklet mailed to you, please contact our office at 262-335-4457.

To see the 2010 Major Functions at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King please click HERE.

The Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove opened in 2001 on the campus of the Southern Wisconsin Center. The home, with its staff of professional health-care providers offers an array of servies for veterans and their spouses including: recreation and activites, safe and secure housing, nutritious meals, laundry and housekeeping, and help with personal hygiene. Union Grove is in the process of establishing a range of services to meet the full continuum of long-term care needs for elderly and disabled veterans (assisted living, skilled nursing, day health care programs). Please click on the following link for more information about the Veterans Home at UNION GROVE. For cost of care, please click HERE. For more information or to have a brochure mailed to you, please contact our office at 262-335-4457.

To view March's Newsletter for Union Grove - click HERE.