Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
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180 W. Idaho Ave, Ontario, Oregon 97914
541-889-1978
"HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE A VETERAN"
On November 11th, we will be celebrating Veterans Day. It is a really astounding day and cannot be forgotten at any level. Respect and tribute is given to our Veterans with utmost feelings from the depth of our hearts. Ontario usually has a Veterans Day Parade, but this year, due to Covid-19 there will not be a parade. As a tribute to our Veterans, Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida would like to have an essay contest. We will put together a packet with an introductory letter, Contest Rules and Guidelines and a Student information page. These packets will be available on our web site: www.veteranadvocates.org or by e-mail at veteranadv78@gmail.com. This contest will be open to all students in Malheur, Payette, and Washington Counties. Students will be divided into three groups: 1st through 5th Grade, with a 50 to 100 word Essay, 6th Grade through 9th Grade, with a 75 to 150 word Essay and 10th through 12th Grade with 150 to 300 word Essay.
Again due to the Covid-19, we ask that if teachers wish to have packets at their school to contact Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida and arrangements will be made to get the packets to the school.
Entries can be sent via e-mail to Charlene Pelland at veteranadv78@gmail.com or mailed to Charlene Pelland at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida, 180 West Idaho Avenue, Ontario Oregon, 97914. All entries need to be received by November 4th, 2020. They can also be dropped off at our office, by calling ahead and ringing the doorbell. Someone will hand them to you at the door. Masks are required.
This can be a valuable opportunity for parents, teachers and students to learn and share their stories about Veterans and their role in our country. Veterans are the life-blood of our country. Without them, Americans would not have the freedom we have today. Veterans have made it possible for us to live normal lives. Throughout history, veterans have fought so that we could be free. By doing this, they have set the standards for our country. It is important for parents to be the steering wheel on the vehicle of learning, providing guidance and information, but not doing the work for them.
There will be a first, Second and Third place in each group. First place will receive $100.00, Second place will receive $50.00 and third place will receive $25.00. Winners will be notified by November 6th, 2020. Essays will be placed in Veteran Advocates Military Museum and a team will do a special presentation to each winner and it will be put into our local paper. Essays will also be put on Veteran Advocates website.
"CONTEST RULES AND GUIDELINES"
TO PRINT THE 'RULES & REGULATIONS: HIGHLIGHT #1 THRU #7 BELOW, THEN COPY AND PASTE ON YOUR BLANK DOCUMENT, THEN YOU CAN PRINT IT.
1. This contest is open to all Elementary, Middle and High School Students in Malheur, Payette and Washington Counties. There will be a First, Second and Third Place winner in each Group. Essay is on: “How you would define a Veteran?”
2. Submission from elementary students (Grade 1 through 5) must be 50 to 100 words. Middle school students (grades 6 through 9) must submit an essay that is 75 to 150 words and high school student’s (10th through 12thgrade) essay must be 100 to 300 words.
3. Entries will be judge on clarity of thought, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation and adherence to the contest theme and guidelines.
4. All entries must be received by Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. By 4:00 p.m. Entries received after this date will not be considered.
5. Entries should be submitted via e-mail, with a completed Student Information page (included in your packet) to Charlene Pelland at veteranadv78@gmail.com or mailed to Charlene Pelland C/o Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida, 180 West Idaho Avenue, Ontario Oregon 97914. Essay submission may be dropped off at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida by calling 541-889-1978 and then ring the doorbell. Someone will be at the door to accept your packet. Masks are required.
6. First Place winner in each group (Elementary, Middle and High School) will receive $100.00 and second place in each group will receive $50.00 and third place winners in each group will receive $25.00.
7. By submitting an entry, the student agrees that the work is original, and unassisted. Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida holds the right to publish any submissions to this contest. (With credit to the author.)
"VETERAN'S DAY ESSAY CONTEST"
Please fill out and send to Charlene Pelland at veteranadv78@gmail.com or mail to Charlene Pelland C/o Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida, 180 West Idaho Avenue, Ontario, OR 97914 along with your completed essay.
TO PRINT APPLICATION:
HIGHLIGHT THE APPLICATION BELOW, THEN COPY AND PASTE ON YOUR BLANK DOCUMENT, THEN YOU CAN PRINT IT.
1. Name: _______________
2. Students E-Mail Address: _____________________
3. Student’s Phone Number: _____________________
4. School Name: __________________
5. County: ____________
6. Grade Level: _________
7. Teacher’s Name: ____________________
8. Teacher’s E-mail Address: ____________________
I, and my parent or guardian, hereby certifies that this submission is original and unassisted. I agree to the entire contest Rules and Guidelines set out by Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida. I also agree that Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida holds the right to publish any submissions to this contest. (With credit to the author).
____________________
Student Signature Date
____________________
Parent Signature Date
As a tribute to our Veterans, Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida would like to have an essay contest.
This contest will be open to all students in Malheur, Payette, and Washington Counties. Students will be divided into three groups: 1st through 5th Grade, with a 50 to 100 word Essay, 6th Grade through 9th Grade, with a 75 to 150 word Essay and 10th through 12th Grade with 150 to 300 word Essay.
Entry packets are available here on this website just click on and print the entry form and contest rules. Or you can email - veteranadv78@gmail.com - and we will email your Entry form, or call the main office at 541-889-1978 to arrange to come by and pick up an Entry packet.
ALL ENTRIES NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY 4:00 PM ON NOVEMBER 4TH, 2020
1. First Place winner in each group (Elementary, Middle and High School) will receive $100.00 and second place in each group will receive $50.00 and third place winners in each group will receive $25.00.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS VETERAN'S ESSAY CONTEST, PLEASE CALL 541-889-1978, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 9:00AM TO 4:00PM. THANK YOU AND "GOOD LUCK"!
NEED HELP!!!! PLEASE!!! The Covid-19 pandemic has left many local Veterans and their families in need. If you are fortunate to not need your stimulus money or part of it, please think about donating it to Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida. As a non-profit your donation would be tax deductible. Please call me, Thank You.....
Ron Verini - Chairman 541-709-8373
October 24, 2020, By Jared Morgan Military Times
A veteran who fought at Iwo Jima during World War II is looking to become the oldest Marine to participate in the annual Marine Corps Marathon.
Along with his small team of marathoners, T. Fred Harvey plans to cross the finish line in a wheelchair on Sunday, four days shy of his 97th birthday.
Like many other races, the coronavirus pandemic has forced event organizers to hold a virtual race this year instead of the physical race in Washington. But that’s not stopping Harvey’s team, which will set off at 7 a.m. from the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
“I haven’t competed in a marathon before, but I’ve never been afraid of a challenge,” Harvey said in a press release. “And I’m lucky to have good friends who are expert runners. Without their help and my racing chariot, this would never be possible. I’ve traveled the world and accomplished more than I ever imagined, but it will be one of my greatest honors to cross the finish line as a proud U.S. Marine.”
Originally a Paramarine, Harvey was tasked with handling demolitions with the 5th Marine Division during its island-hopping campaign, which eventually landed them on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in February 1945.
Despite heavy bombardment by American forces to soften the battleground for invasion, Harvey and his fellow Marines had to contend with some 21,000 Japanese soldiers hidden in the network of underground tunnels.
October 22, 2020 By Leo Shane III, Military Times
Twice as many women veterans are running for Congress this year than did in 2018, but the overall number of veterans serving in the House and Senate is likely to drop again this election cycle.
So far this year, 163 veterans have won primaries for House seats and 18 more for Senate seats. The 181 veterans potentially up for election to Congress is an increase of about 5 percent from two years ago.
But officials from The Veterans Campaign, a non-partisan which trains veterans to run for office and work in political strategy fields, said even with the boost in candidates, the number of veterans actually elected to office is unlikely to grow significantly in 2021, if at all. That’s because many of the races feature established incumbents or sit in districts heavily weighted toward one political party.
“There’s a respect for others and respect for the work to be done that veterans have when they are serving in Congress,” said former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who served in the Senate for 12 years and has been a vocal proponent of veterans' involvement in national politics in recent years.
“When you’re in the military, you don’t try and divide. You unite. And I think that attitude has been missing in Congress of late.”
Don Stone’s entrepreneurial spirit first began when he learned to fly while serving in the Air Force. After leaving the service, Stone took his flight knowledge and chose to open his first business as a fixed-based operation, which is basically a gas station for planes, at a small airport in Colorado.
While it was a fun business overall, he faced challenges with the city and county governments that owned the airport. This experience helped him immensely for his next endeavor—owning and operating a franchise.
Stone’s first franchise was part of a 216-location hair salon company near Texas. After selling that business in 2000, he was immediately interested in purchasing another.
“My experience with franchising was what made me pursue future opportunities,” Stone shared. “I spoke to someone in Dallas about a mobile pet grooming business that wanted to expand and start franchising. Because of my experience with the hair salon franchise, I thought of using that same model to expand it, but instead ended up buying the business outright.”
After much due diligence, Stone realized it would be complicated to turn the mobile grooming business into a franchise. He was surprised to learn that mobile pet grooming salons are more complicated than the average person would expect, so instead of franchising, he kept the business as it was and it has since grown significantly. Stone now operates over 50 mobile grooming salons in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
As time went on, Stone continued to watch for a complementary business to purchase.
“I knew one of the founders of Pet Butler,” he said. “I watched the business as it grew and franchised.”
Once the Dallas/Fort Worth market opened, he jumped at the chance to diversify by adding a Pet Butler franchise to his current business model.
All Vet Centers are currently open and operational, providing face to face and virtual counseling and outreach. Vet Centers will continue to assess the community impact of COVID-19 at a local level and may begin to restrict access or limit foot traffic, transitioning services to virtual care if needed. This would be assessed on a case by case basis and as a last measure. It is VA’s goal of keeping Vet Centers open and operational for Veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Those looking to seek Vet Center services may call their nearest Vet Center or the Vet Center Call Center at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). Please check back regularly as this situation may change.
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
What is readjustment counseling?
Readjustment counseling is a wide range of psycho social services offered to eligible Veterans, Service members, and their families in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. They include:
Does VA have readjustment counseling for family members?
Family members of combat Veterans and Service members have been eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling services for military related issues since 1979.
Am I eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling?
If you, or a family member, served in any combat zone and received a military campaign ribbon (Vietnam, Southwest Asia, OEF, OIF, etc.) then both you and your family are eligible for Vet Center services.
Where is counseling offered?
VA's readjustment counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located in easily accessable neighborhoods near Veterans, Service members, and their families, yet separate from VA organizational sites to ensure confidential counseling and reduce barriers to care. All Vet Center services are prepaid through military service. Contact your nearest Vet Center through information provided in the Vet Center Directory or listings in your local blue pages. Vet Center staff are available toll free and around the clock at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387).
So you finally came around to the idea that you might have what it takes to make it in civilian life? What took you so long? You can trudge through mud and rain while training for three days, stand watch through a humid night in the Baghdad suburbs, or maintain the latest in multimillion-dollar aircraft technology, but you weren’t sure if you could commute to an office somewhere for eight hours a day? Son, that might be your only problem.
But there’s a lot of ground to cover before you start writing TPS reports.
Getting out of the military is a big deal, about as big a deal as going in. It’s not something you just want to up and do one day. If all you do is fill out a checklist and then go back to your hometown and think everything is just going to work out, you’re gonna be in for a big surprise. There are actually some things you’ll want to think about before you go back to the block. Starting with what exactly you want to do when you get out of that uniform.
Which, we’re probably going to need back, by the way.
Will you actually be getting a civilian job? Do you want to do the same thing out there that you did in the military? Or will you go to school? Where will you do these things? How will you prepare to pay for them while you wait for benefits … do you even know how to get into the VA system? You may have it all figured out as an E-4. But the mafia doesn’t teach you about Tuition Assistance, the blended retirement system, or getting a VA home loan. Some of that’s what the Transition Assistance Program teaches. (You did know about the TAP class, right?)
The Chairman of Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida, Ronald Verini, writes two articles every month for publication in a Regional Newspaper,this article "YES:WE ARE STILL FIGHTING..." will be published October 25, 2020. Here is an part of Mr. Verinis' article, and you can read the full article by clicking the red bar below.
"YES: WE ARE STILL FIGHTING..."
October 25, 2020 Veterans Corner Article by Ronald Verini
When was the last time you sat around your coffee table to discuss the conflicts or wars the United States is in today? Well that is what happened the other day at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida!
We came up with a few that might concern you or you might say that they are not really happening.
The first one mentioned was the War in Northwest Pakistan- mainly drones but can escalate to more at any time. This is the United States vs. Pakistan. This one started in 2004 and still going today.
Then we have the Somalia and Northeastern Kenya which started in 2007 and still going today. This one is the United States with Coalition forces vs. al-Shabaab militants.
Then as far as I can see the continued U.S.- led Intervention since 2014 in Syria. That is us and coalition forces against al-Qaeda, ISIS and Syria.
The next one that I noticed is still going on since 2015 is the Yemeni Civil War. This one is led by the Saudi’s with the United States, France, and United Kingdom against the Houthi rebels, Supreme Political Council in Yemen, and allies.
Libya comes to mind and that one started in 2015 is the U.S. intervention with Libya and the U.S. against ISIS.
Of course, we are not to sure about Afghanistan with all the talk about pulling out but since 2001 we are there and our men and women are still putting their lives on the line as of today.
I am alarmed to hear some folks around our community are saying that the world is at peace. I do not think that any of our military serving in any of the hot zones around the world would agree, I certainly don’t.
I am thrilled that over the last few years we have not had any new U.S. interventions but with that said: we have recently deployed thousands of additional troops to the Persian Gulf because of the growing tensions with Iran. Our bases in places like Bahrain and Qatar are also very solid.
“TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE PLEASE CLICK THE RED BAR BELOW.....
By Nathan Jerauld, U. S. Army Veteran, Bronze Star and Purple Heart Recipient, Cicero, N. Y.
“If Senators Paul and Udall really want to honor our service members, here are a few things they could do with that money instead.”
In an essay on TheAtlantic.com last week, Senators Rand Paul and Tom Udall urged members of Congress to support their bipartisan joint resolution, the American Forces Going Home After Noble (AFGHAN) Service Act. The bill, they wrote, would “return our combat forces home from Afghanistan in an orderly and responsible way, while also setting a framework for political reconciliation in Afghanistan without a permanent U.S. presence.” It would also provide a $2,500 bonus to members of the military who have served in the Global War on Terror.
“Congress must step up and step in to ensure that another generation of Americans is not sent to fight a war with no end in sight,” Paul and Udall wrote, “especially when there is no military solution to the challenges facing Afghanistan.”
Members of our Congress once again demonstrated that they do not understand our country’s veterans. Last week, Senators Rand Paul and Tom Udall published an articlepromoting their new bill, the AFGHAN Service Act. In it, the senators commend the patriotism and bravery of the many men and women who served in Afghanistan for the past 18 years, including 2,300 fallen and more than 20,000 wounded service members.
hey write:
For their heroism and valor, our legislation says “Thank you” by ensuring we recognize and honor that service. Drawing from the billions saved by ending the war in Afghanistan, our bill provides a $2,500 bonus within one year to all the members of our volunteer military who have served in the Global War on Terrorism.
As one of the more than 20,000 veterans wounded in Afghanistan, I want to be clear: I am not honored. I am disgusted.
The senators’ bill embodies a sentiment that makes the military-civilian transition so difficult for veterans. Society assumes that those of us who went over there, saw horrible things, endured terrible pain, and who now struggle to function as normal human beings will be “honored” by lip service and a check in the mail. It is insulting.
As a veteran, I want to see my brothers and sisters in arms get the help they need. I want people to understand the sacrifices they made and the many battles they face. I want to see people show respect for veterans more than twice a year, on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I want our country to honor its commitment to veteran services.
June 5, 2020 by, Rose L. Thayer, Stars and Stripes
Military and veteran health care providers would be required to ask service members and veterans who test positive for the coronavirus about their exposure to burn pits under bipartisan legislation introduced Wednesday in the Senate.
The Pandemic Care for Burn Pits Exposure Act, introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., is designed to ensure that service members and veterans with exposure to burn pits, which often impacts the respiratory system, receive the care they need if they contract the coronavirus.
Burn pits were commonly used during the first several years of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and in other wars, as a place to get rid of anything the military no longer had use for, such as computers, tires, medical waste and aircraft engines. The smoke that drifted across military bases from these pits often included toxic chemicals linked to cancers and chronic respiratory illnesses.
If passed into law, the bill would require the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs to ask service members and veterans who have tested positive for the virus if they were exposed to burn pits to ensure they receive proper care, according to a release from Klobuchar’s office.
Those who answer yes will be enrolled in the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, unless they choose to opt out. That registry collects names of veterans who voluntarily provide their information and details about personal exposure to burn pits on deployment.
“Many of our service members and veterans are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic, especially those who were stationed near burn pits,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “As a result of being exposed to toxic substances from burn pits during their military service, many suffer from significant respiratory illnesses, and now they may face heightened health risks during the pandemic due to previous toxic exposure. This legislation would help to ensure that they receive the care they need.”
"Love's Travel Stop" at exit 374 on I-84, Ontario, Oregon, has always contacted us when they knew a veteran needed some help. Well now they have added to their support by awarding Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida a grant to help us assist our area veterans in need of 'Emergency assistance' with gas for their vehicle! We certainly give a huge "Thank You" to the management and staff of the Ontario, Oregon Love's and we continue to consider them a welcomed supporter of VAOI, and our area Veterans!
Love's address off of I-84 is 1041 NW Washington Ave, Ontario -
Phone is = 541-823-8282
There is also a Subway and a Chesters restaurant in this Love's.
Veterans needing 'Emergency assistance' with gas for their car/truck need to contact the Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida at 541-889-1978 to see if you qualify.
What is the White House VA Hotline?
The hotline’s pilot began under direction of the Veterans Experience Office on June 1, 2017, and entered phase two on October 15, 2017.
White House VA Hotline: 1-855-948-2311.
Calls are answered by a live agent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The hotline is staffed by more than 60 agents who have had extensive training on VA programs and services. Most of these agents are a Veteran, military family member, caregiver or a survivor.
The White House VA Hotline conducts immediate warm hand offs for at-crisis risk Veterans needing the services of the Veterans Crisis Line.
Trends identified by the hotline will be used to rapidly respond to systemic inefficiencies and empower VA employees to resolve Veteran concerns quickly.
A few weeks ago, I was driving along a suburban street when a bicyclist turned onto the street, hit a patch of loose sand, and, fortunately, fell onto a lawn. I stopped the car, backed up, and got out to make sure that the person was OK. The person turned out to be fine and with a wave they were off to finish their ride. When I got back into the car, I faced a wave of questions from the kids. Did I know that person? No. How did I know that they would fall? I did not. Would I be stopping again to help someone else? Maybe.
Today, more than ever, we face a challenge of how to have positive interactions with others, especially strangers. Many people either disregard or do not understand the importance of these singular interactions to our own well-being as well as the well-being of others. These singular interactions clearly define the people we are and the type of person we aspire to become.
The military really taught me the importance of singular interactions and how they define your character. When I was a in Iraq, I was just coming out of the dining facility (chow hall) with a steaming breakfast tray after an all-night planning and re-planning effort to try and halt some of the then-new improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. I was distraught, dead tired, frustrated, hungry, and ready to rest for a few minutes. I ran into a young Marine that had just driven for hours from southern Iraq with some prisoners for interrogation. The Marine passed off his prisoners and then had to guard his vehicle. Without him saying anything, I asked if he had eaten anything. He said “No,” and with no more words between us, I gave him my breakfast, and headed back to another 18 hours of work. I never saw the Marine again.
March 28, 2020 by Dorothy Mills-Gregg, Military.com
The Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning to divide its inpatient units into two zones to separate non-infectious patients from those with novel coronavirus, officials said. And when the need arises, as the new phased plan predicts it will, officials plan to discharge non-critical patients and even build new facilities.
The plan is part of a four-phased pandemic response blueprint released Friday, weeks after the VA was criticized for not publicly disclosing its plan to help veterans and the federal government respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The VA is currently in Phase 2, "Initial Response," which means staff are focusing on mitigating local or regional outbreaks by creating two zones.
Phase 3 is when the condition becomes drastic -- patient demand surpasses the VA's capability or supply chain. All routine care will be reduced or stopped at VA medical facilities, and the VA staff will then begin using other spaces like an outlying ward or field hospital to take in veterans and possibly the civilian public.
In outbreak mitigation phase, standard and COVID-19 zones will have separate air flows and staff restrooms and break and call rooms to eliminate the chance of cross contamination. This new division is in addition to the VA's current practice of pre-screening patients and asking them to call instead of just walking into a clinic.
Click the 'red-bar' below for full story......
March 26, 2020 by Oriana Pawlyk, Military.com
As novel coronavirus cases continue to spread among the ranks, top officials and health leaders have emphasized that the military must take crucial steps to help stop it, including new health-protection conditions (HPCON) and increased social distancing measures on bases.
But photos taken just last week show troops training side by side or participating in large gatherings amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Publicly released military photos show service members participating in drill exercises and live-fire training, among other activities that require them to operate in close proximity.
The U.S. military services began taking precautions as early as March 7. Some services and commands attempted to limit human contact as much as possible with telework and virtual meetings, while others began canceling events and overseas travel. The protective measures even applied to brand-new service members as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard began screening all new recruits for coronavirus symptoms earlier this month to prevent potential spread throughout the force, officials confirmed to Military.com on March 4.
This week, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that, while social distancing may be impossible inside a tank or on a submarine, "If you can avoid putting ... a large number of people in small rooms, you should do it."
By Meghan Holohan
When baby Jace started crying, his father, Jeff Lee, struggled. True, the wail of a baby triggers anxious concern in most parents — but this was different. Little Jace’s screams reminded Jeff of the sound of a wounded Marine.
“There was a pitch that Jace would hit that sounded like a person who was hit on the battlefield,” Jeff’s wife, Jolynn Lee, 49, of Hubert, North Carolina, told TODAY Parents. “He couldn’t stand to hear him cry.”
Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Marines immediately after high school and deployed to Iraq during the first Gulf War. He later enrolled in the Marines’ Enlisted to Officer program to further his military career, and he found himself back in Iraq during the Iraq War. In 2004, during the brutal first Battle of Fallujah, Jeff got shot in the shoulder and bicep. He duct-taped himself up so he could continue fighting, and he earned a Purple Heart and Silver Star. But the man who returned home from Iraq was not the same person his family remembered.
“That is where our lives changed,” Jolynn said. “I was familiar with post-traumatic stress disorder and combat trauma. You can’t be part of the military and not at least hear of it. Experiencing it was a whole different ball game.”
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released in January an updated Department of Defense (DOD) list of locations outside of Vietnam where tactical herbicides were used, tested or stored by the United States military.
“This update was necessary to improve accuracy and communication of information,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA depends on DOD to provide information regarding in-service environmental exposure for disability claims based on exposure to herbicides outside of Vietnam."
DOD conducted a thorough review of research, reports and government publications in response to a November 2018 Government Accountability Office report.
“DOD will continue to be responsive to the needs of our interagency partners in all matters related to taking care of both current and former service members,” said Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper. “The updated list includes Agents Orange, Pink, Green, Purple, Blue and White and other chemicals and will be updated as verifiable information becomes available.”
Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including an Agent Orange Registry health exam, health care and disability compensation for diseases associated with exposure. Their dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits.
November 25, 2019 By Dorothy Mills-Gregg, Military.com
For veterans who think they were exposed to toxic substances during their service, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a mobile application that will help them answer questions about what this potential exposure means for their long-term health.
Originally designed for VA providers, Exposure Ed now lets anyone view a list of service-related exposures -- broken down by type, conflict and date or location of service. It also has a map veterans can use to find the closest VA facilities and exposure-related programs.
For example, veterans thinking they came into contact with the Vietnam-era herbicide Agent Orange can use the "Exposures" button on the home page for immediate access to a list of illnesses related to exposure. Or, veterans can input in the time and location they served to view everything they might have been exposed to.
Related: After Decade of Fighting, the Blue-Water Navy Benefits Bill is Now a Law
The last option sorts exposure risks by conflict, ranging from World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn.
November 7, 2019 by Patricia Time, Military.com
Veterans with iPhones can now view their Department of Veterans Affairs medical records through their phone’s Health app.
VA and Apple began rolling out the capability during the summer but issued formal announcements this week, just ahead of Veterans Day.
“We have delivered veterans an innovative new way to easily and securely access their health information,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said Nov. 6 in a release. “Veterans deserve access to their health data at any time and in one place, and with health records on the Health app, VA has pushed the veterans experience forward.”
Veterans will see an aggregated view of their VA health care information such as lab results, medical history, procedures and medications.
Information from private medical providers also is available if that provider participates in the Apple Health program. More than 400 companies are on board, including Johns Hopkins, University of California San Diego, Quest Diagnostics and Allscripts.
We thank all the Supporters, Businesses and Friends for giving their time and resources in helping and caring for our Veterans, Military and First Responders and their Families.
We really appreciate your interest too, in 'Who we are and What we do'. If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to 'volunteer' or 'donate', well please contact us with an email, a phone call, or just drop on into the office.
You are always welcome to come and join us Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm. We are a "No Dues' nonprofit organization with the coffee pot always on and lots of conversation always available. Bring your questions regarding any veteran services you are concerned about, and we will do our best to steer you in the right direction.
Our phone is 541-889-1978, and we are located in Ontario, Oregon at 180 W. Idaho Ave.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.