WHATS ON OUR MIND & HOW CAN WE HELP
Here are the main concerns our area veterans bring to us:
ASSISTANCE:
Where can I go to hang-out with other veterans, that has no dues or strings attached?
Because sometimes I don't feel like I belong or fit in.
I need transportation to VA and Doctor appointments
Can't afford legal help on Benefits and/or Civil matters
Don't have enough money for my rent, utilities and food
Need money for car repairs and gas & oil
My house needs to be repaired and fixed up
I can't find a job
How do I get counseling and addiction help
what can I do about PTSD, and how do I know if my spouse has it
Can't afford to send my spouse and/or kids to college
How can I find someone to visit and check on my disabled veteran spouse and/or relative
I can't find affordable 'in home help and assistance'
As a surviving spouse of a veteran, how do I make arrangements and what are the benefits
AND LISTED BELOW ARE OUR PROGRAMS / PATHWAYS TO ADDRESS THESE MAIN CONCERNS:
LINKS TO GET YOU CONNECTED
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Members of this Committee that you can contact with an inquiry or a comment. Use this simple link to make your concern known.
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Contact US Senators on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, about your concerns and comments as a Veteran and a Citizen. This simple link connects you with their website and contact.
Senate Armed Forces Committee
Connect with Committee members about any of your questions regarding the budgets for all our Armed Forces. Just click on the picture and it gets you to their website.
US Dept. of Veteran Affairs (VA)
Here is your link for the VA, just click on the picture and it takes you right there. This web page has all the info on VA Benefits and Services.
Veterans Crisis Line
Click on this image and it brings you right to 'start a confidential live chat', or to start a 'text' conversation or to call for help and info.
US Department of Defense
Click on the picture and get all the latest developments within all the Military Services of our Great Country. Gives you news, photos, videos, and special reports. Good way to keep informed about our Military.
President signs/passes Veterans' Benefit Package
Information on the new Veterans Benefits Legislation
Isakson, Tester Applaud Senate Passage of Veterans’ Benefits Legislation
Bipartisan bill to boost veterans’ disability compensation heads to president’s desk
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, today applauded Senate passage of the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation to increase veterans’ disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“Our men and women in uniform have sacrificed greatly, and it is our duty to make sure our disabled veterans and their families are provided the benefits they have earned,” said Isakson. “I am pleased the Senate has passed this important measure, and I look forward to the president signing it into law.”
“Veterans’ benefits must reflect today’s economic realities and this bipartisan legislation will allow families to keep up with the rising costs of housing, utilities and food,” said Tester. “Moving this bipartisan bill towards the finish line is an important step in the right direction to live up to the promises we made to our men and women in uniform.”
The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018, introduced in the Senate by Isakson and Tester earlier this year, would increase the rates of VA disability compensation, dependency compensation for surviving children and spouses, as well as the clothing allowance for veterans based on rising costs of living.
This cost-of-living adjustment, which would be equal to the amount of the adjustment given to Social Security recipients, is determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index on a yearly basis.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018 on May 21. Following today’s Senate passage, the measure heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Once signed, the cost-of-living adjustment for veterans goes into effect on Dec. 1, 2018.
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The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., in the 115th Congress. Isakson is a veteran himself – having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 – and has been a member of the Senate VA Committee since he joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson’s home state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the armed services as well as more than 750,000 veterans.
Learn More
Here is the list of Benefits that have just been extended. Click the red bar to see all of them.
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Additional Information
The United States Court of Appeals is a National Court of record established under Article 1 of the Constitution. It has exclusive jurisdiction of Judicial Review on final decisions by the Board of Veterans Appeals within the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The Court provides an impartial review of administrative decisions that were adverse to the veteran-appellant's claim of entitlement to benefits service connected disabilities, survivor benefits and other benefits such as education payments and waiver of indebtedness.
You must have had a final decision from the Board of Veterans Appeals before appealing to this Court. note: the VA Regional Office is not the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Click on the Seal to the right to get to the Webpage.
Our Board of Directors & Management
Founder/Chairman, Ronald Verini
Upon returning from Vietnam, Ron wanted to have a friendly place for Vets to go and feel comfortable and have no financial obligation. He Co-founded the Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida in 2006.
Vice Chairman Phil Jacques
Phil walked into the first Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida office one day, found out what we were doing, liked it and has been volunteering since then. He has been a champion for helping us with 'fundraising'. Phil served in the Special Forces in Vietnam, and has been our Vice-Chairman for many years.
Secretary / Treasurer, Charlene Pelland
Upon moving to Ontario, Oregon, Charlene, whose Brothers all served in the Air Force, wanted to 'Honor' all our Veterans and became our first Office Manager, and quickly became our Secretary/Treasurer.
John Breidenback, Board Member
John also serves the Community as the Ex. Director of the Greater Ontario Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been a contributing/Active Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida Board member for many years, and served our Country in the US Army.John is on left.
Vince Schwartz, Board Member
Vince has been a very active Board Member now for many years, since he dropped by the office one day asking for some assistance, and has been involved every week since his first visit. Vince also served in Vietnam.
Gerald Haines, Chaplain/Board Member
Gerald is a 25 year Army Veteran enlisting in 1954 during the 'Cold-War' working in Army Air Defense Systems, and retiring as a Major, 0-4. After retirement he was ordained as a Minister, and he and his wife Trudy volunteered as Chaplains at the Idaho State Correctional Institution. Currently he is on the Board and Chaplain for Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
