Archive for the ‘Veterans' Events’ Category

Veterans Day 2012 Military Discounts and Freebies

Friday, November 9th, 2012

Veterans Day 2012 is approaching and many businesses across the nation will be offering discounts and freebies to veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families. Below are some of the national military discounts available to veterans this year:

Restaurants

  • Applebee’s – Free signature entree for veterans.
  • California Pizza Kitchen – Free meal on the November 11 and 12 for veterans and active duty military.
  • Chili’s Bar and Grill – Choice of free meal from special menu from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. for veterans and active duty military.
  • Denny’s – All you can eat pancakes for veterans and active duty military.
  • Einstein Bagels – Free classic or signature bagel on Sunday.
  • Golden Corral – Free meal on November 12 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. for veterans and active duty military.
  • Hooters – 10 free boneless wings with purchase of a drink for veterans and active duty military on Veterans’ Day.
  • Little Caesars – Free Crazy Bread on November 11.
  • Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola on November 11 and 12 for veterans and active duty military, plus 10 percent discount on entire check from November 13 – December 31.

Retail & Services

  • AARP – Free or reduced cost driver safety courses for veterans and active duty military during the entire month of November.
  • Home Depot – 10 percent discount.
  • Lowes – 10 percent discount on purchases up to $5,000.
  • National Parks – Free admission for everyone from November 10-12.

Most restaurants or retailers require a valid veteran or military ID or other proof of service to take advantage of the discounts or deals.

Another popular occurrence on Veterans Day are parades and picnics to celebrate and honor our veterans. Many local communities hold such events and whether you are a veteran yourself or a civilian, it can be a great time to join with your neighbors to thank all those who have served or who are currently serving.

Remember that there are many veterans who are now disabled due to injuries they suffered while serving our country. While it is important to recognize their service on Veterans Day, it is also important to offer your thanks and support to them year round for their selfless dedication to our country.

If you are ready to apply for veterans’ disability benefits, or if your application for benefits has been denied, consult with a disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg based in South Florida. To discuss your eligibility for benefits and other programs, contact our veterans’ disability firm at 888-234-5758.

Veterans Hiring Fair Helps Promote VA’s eBenefits Document System

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently focused many special programs and initiatives towards helping veterans seek employment in government and private sector industries. Many educational and training programs have been recently enhanced or created so now the focus is turning toward helping veterans search and interview for jobs.

The Detroit VA for Vets Hiring Fair will take place from June 26-29 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan alongside the Veteran Open House and National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo. In addition to providing a wealth of information and resources in everything from preparing resumes to interview advice, these 3 major events will offer veterans a chance to illustrate their skills for employers.

Of special note at the hiring fair is the availability for veterans to register for a free premium eBenefits account that will let them print the documents necessary for a federal employment application. The VA hopes that showcasing their digital records technology at the events will help connect more veterans and increase use of their online portal.

The eBenefits system allows veterans to instantly access their documents, including benefit information, military records and similar necessary files. These records are important not only for employment applications but also when a veteran files for certain compensation such as veterans’ disability benefits.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today  1-888-234-5758.

Department of Defense Hosting Conference on Military Suicides

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

A recent report from the Associated Press revealed 154 suicides occurred among active duty soldiers from January 1 to June 3 this year. That comes out to nearly one soldier committing suicide each day – 24 more cases than in that same time span a year ago.

Military suicide is becoming a serious issue not only among active duty military personnel, but also among veterans. With suicide rates surpassing automobile accidents to become the second leading cause of death among active duty soldiers (trailing only slightly behind combat-related causalities), the Department of Defense is assembling a group of top officials from their department as well as officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense for Health Affairs to address it.

According to Army Times, the conference will take place June 20-23 and will focus on the latest research and statistics on military suicide, as well as current and in-development assessment and treatment programs. Officials hope that successful suicide prevention programs can be singled out and discussed as teaching tools for developing similar results in other areas.

There are multiple factors that contribute to military suicide rates making it difficult for medical professionals to pinpoint any one cause of the increase. Therefore, the conference will be reviewing the fundamentals, going over research, and sharing the most effective systems pertaining to suicide prevention.

Suicide risk is often higher in disabled veterans who suffer from physical or mental conditions that impair their lives. Many veterans suffer chronic pain or incapacitation, while others struggle with anxiety, depression, and emotional issues.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today  1-888-234-5758.

New VA Grants Supporting Physical Activity Programs for Disabled Veterans

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

As research continues to show the positive benefits of physical activity on the treatment, rehabilitation, and well-being of disabled veterans, more programs are being developed to support these endeavors. In recognition of these efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has granted new funding to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and their Parks: Return and Restore Program.

The NRPA works closely with the U.S. Paralympics division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, which helps support the development and participation in paralympic sporting activities. There are 9 park and recreation agencies across the U.S. that is included in the Parks: Return and Restore Program. These agencies received grants ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 to help support their efforts in providing disabled veterans with physical activity programs.

Many community organizations provide physical activity programs and paralympic sports leagues to help support their local disabled veterans. Physical activity has been shown to improve a veterans’ ability to cope with common disabling conditions both mentally and physically.

Aside from community resources, veterans anywhere can seek veterans’ disability benefits to help augment the local support they receive. Benefit pay, as well as assistance for medical care, housing, employment, and education are all available to disabled veterans who qualify as disabled through combat-related circumstances.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.

Rome, Georgia Holding Parade for Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

While the Department of Defense (DoD) is putting plans on hold for a national parade honoring the Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, many U.S. cities are stepping up with their own events.

For example, 2 men in St. Louis managed to gather a crowd in the thousands to honor our recent veterans in a matter of weeks, drawing national attention. Now, the city of Rome, GA is hoping to achieve the same with a parade and festival dedicated to honoring the Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans.

On Saturday, June 16 starting at 11:00 a.m. EST, the city will hold a parade followed by live entertainment, food, and children’s activities at the Forum. The Veterans Affairs of Atlanta organization will be on hand to assist disabled veterans and their families in attending and enjoying the festivities.

The DoD has shown support for the idea of holding a national parade to honor the Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, but is reluctant to plan such an event. Current statements suggest they will make plans for a national celebration once all of the troops have returned from deployment.

While we still have service members active in the Middle East, the potential for service-related injuries and conditions remains a risk for all active duty military. If you’re injured while serving in the military or develop a disabling condition due to your service you have the right to file for veterans disability benefits.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation Hosting Free Resume Webinar

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

With a tough job market and more veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans are continuing to struggle with finding employment after their military service. One of the first things a job applicant must do is provide a resume and cover letter – and the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) is helping veterans with this task.

On Tuesday, February 28 from 2-3 p.m. EST the DVNF will be hosting an online webinar with noted speaker Rod Dillehay, who has worked for more than 20 years helping recruit and screen candidates for high-salary positions. The webinar is free and open to veterans, retired members of the military, reservists, active duty service members, and related veteran caregivers such as spouses, family members, and Veteran Service Officers.

Some of the topics that will be covered in the series include:

  • resume organization;
  • how to translate military skills to resume points relevant to your employment;
  • LinkedIn 101;
  • getting your resume noticed online and on an employers’ desk;
  • mistakes to avoid with online job applications; and
  • cover letter tips.

This webinar is just one in the DVNF’s Veterans Employment Webinar Series – a great resource for veterans looking for work. There are many resources and benefits for veterans to find employment and financial support after having served our country.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.

Pentagon Supports National Parade to Honor Iraq War Veterans

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) organization has been petitioning for a nationally recognized parade to honor returning veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but their efforts will have to wait longer.

According to officials at the Pentagon and the Department of Defense, there’s full support for such a celebration, but right now is not an appropriate time. With troop withdrawals still a long way to go, and deployments still actively scheduled, the Pentagon wishes to wait until all efforts in the war zones are completed and the troops have returned home.

In the meantime, the White House will be hosting a special dinner honoring the Iraq veterans by inviting members of every military branch, rank, and state to represent their respective backgrounds. While the IAVA appreciates the gesture, they believe that this effort only honors a select few service members and does nothing to foster connections between civilians and veterans.

Small scale efforts to honor returning Iraq veterans have been seen across the country with a notable effort having recently taken place in St. Louis. A couple friends organized the event through Facebook, which gathered nearly 1,000 veterans and tens of thousands of civilian supporters.

The Pentagon officials recognized the efforts of the St. Louis group and praised small community events like these, stating that, “they’re the right size and scope for what military leaders feel comfortable with now.” As for a large-scale parade, officials are still holding off on making plans until all troops return home.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.

New National Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviewed the current vacancy rates of the Port Hudson National Cemetery in Louisiana they estimated that the cemetery would be filled by 2015, prompting quick action to secure new burial sites for our fallen service members. The new site will be known as the Louisiana National Cemetery.

A dedication ceremony for the Louisiana National Cemetery site will be held on March 24 at 11 a.m. CST. When completed in April 2013, the site expects to give burial options to 293,000 veterans and their family members. The first phase will be a 17-acre project and provide 2,500 in-ground crypts and 1,128 regular gravesites as well as a formal entrance, roadways, utilities, and infrastructure.

The second phase will complete the project with an additional 12 acres containing 1,000 columbarium niches and 1,130 cremains sites, as well as the administrative building, maintenance complex, a committal service shelter, and a public assembly area. The water distribution system, landscaping, roads, signage, site furnishings, and utilities will also be completed.

The Port Hudson cemetery will be closed to most new burials starting in July, leaving its gates open only to casketed interments of those with previously buried family members. Interment in the Louisiana National Cemetery will follow general military cemetery guidelines, allowing honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, and qualified dependent children to be buried there. It is also open to active duty military personnel who die in the line of duty, and their spouses and eligible dependents.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.

Veterans Encouraged to Ask Questions through White House’s Live Twitter Session

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

In light of the State of the Union address, a 3-day Twitter Q&A schedule will have officials from the Obama Administration answering questions related to their specific fields. One of the most important sessions to disabled veterans will be the 10 a.m. EST session held on Thursday, January 26 and hosted by Matt Flavin. Flavin is the administration’s lead counsel on veterans’ issues and wounded warrior policy.

During the session, veterans are encouraged to voice their questions and comments via Twitter using the #WHChat hashtag in their message. For those that won’t be able to take part in the live event, a complete transcript will be made available on the WhiteHouse.gov website later that day. There will also be a full interactive recap at the Storify website.

Aside from Twitter, the White House is making use of YouTube and Google+ as well to connect Americans with the administration. From now through Saturday, January 28, users are able to submit video questions through the White House’s YouTube channel. President Obama will have his responses released through the White House’s Google+ public page.

As the government continues to increase its interaction with the American people through social networking and the Internet, it’s important that veterans take this opportunity to have their voices heard. Issues about veterans disability benefits, veteran homelessness, and jobs for veterans can only be addressed when veterans and advocates participate in these types of forums.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.

Veterans Can Find Employment Opportunity at Washington D.C. Career Expo

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues its service to our veterans around the D.C. area with a career fair and expo targeted at connecting veterans to employment opportunities at several federal and private agencies.

The Veteran Career Fair and Expo will be held at the Washington D.C. Convention Center on Wednesday, January 18 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event offers veterans with proof of military service the opportunity to meet with recruiters and participate in workshops.

Participating employers include the following:

  • The Department of Defense;
  • National Cemetery Administration;
  • Veterans Benefits Administration;
  • Veterans Health Administration; and
  • many other federal agencies and private sector employers.

The event is open to all veterans but mainly targets those in the D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia areas, as many of the employers are located in these states. Aside from job recruitment there will be workshops on resume building, interviewing skills, education opportunities, and benefits for veteran health care and education.

The VA offers many programs and resources to support all veterans, especially disabled veterans. Many national and local veterans’ advocacy groups also exist to provide more local resources to those who have served our country and need the proper care to adjust back into civilian life.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today 1-888-234-5758.