Category Archives: Veteran Benefits

Today is the deadline for the Super-Committee

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Troy| Leave a comment

Well today is the deadline for this famed group of twelve (six Democrats and six Republicans) Super-Committee to agree on a way to achieve deficit reduction measures. As everyone knows now, it has not happened and this supposed “super” committee did exactly what many thought would happen, fail to agree along party lines.

Now what? That seems to be the $64,000 question that nobody has an answer to. The Secretary of Defense released the following statement the other day.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on Supercommittee Negotiations
The failure of the Congressional Supercommittee to reach an agreement on deficit reduction is a setback for the country’s efforts to achieve fiscal responsibility while protecting our national security. If Congress fails to act over the next year, the Department of Defense will face devastating, automatic, across-the-board cuts that will tear a seam in the nation’s defense.
Despite the danger posed by sequestration, I join the President in his call for Congress to avoid an easy way out of this crisis. Congress cannot simply turn off the sequester mechanism, but instead must pass deficit reduction at least equal to the $1.2 trillion it was charged to pass under the Budget Control Act.
In my four decades involved with public service, I have never been more concerned about the ability of Congress to forge common-sense solutions to the nation’s pressing problems. Since becoming Secretary of Defense, I have made it clear that the Department has a responsibility to help the country get its fiscal house in order — and we are doing that. I have been leading a strategy-driven effort to achieve the more than $450 billion in cuts over 10 years required by the Budget Control Act. We will move ahead with that plan.
But as Secretary of Defense, my primary responsibility is to protect the security of the nation. The half-trillion in additional cuts demanded by sequester would lead to a hollow force incapable of sustaining the missions it is assigned. If implemented, sequester would also jeopardize our ability to provide our troops and their families with the benefits and the support they have been promised. Our troops deserve better, and our nation demands better.

There is a lot of doom and gloom on the horizon if the military goes through the cuts, that as of right now it looks like they will. Nobody can see the future but based on what we have seen from our Government leadership (to include Congress) I am afraid it is not going to torn out well for our country’s security or us as a society and our safety.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Military News, Military Strategy, Veteran Benefits

Free Online Tutoring for Military Families with Tutor.com

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Troy| 1 Comment

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families is an online tutoring and homework program sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) that allows eligible Servicemembers and their families to get 24/7 assistance and support , from elementary school concepts to advanced high school coursework. If you are active duty or on active duty in the Guard or Reserve in a deployed status (or even a DoD civilian in a deployed status), you and your family are eligible for this program.  Carefully screened professional tutors who are also subject matter experts provide assistance through Tutor.com’s online interface, and can also assist with introductory college courses, adult learning, and career transitions.  For further information about Tutor.com or to read this article in full, please go to: http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/08/family-focus-friday-tutor-com/

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Spouse and Family, Veteran Benefits

Veterans Day Deals

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Troy| Leave a comment

The number of businesses just keeps on climbing. Now there are over 200 companies that are doing a little something for our Veterans on their day, tomorrow. The folks over at Brads Deals have compiled a list of the 200+ stores. You can get to the list easily on their blog at http://www.bradsdeals.com/blog/2010/09/22/160-stores-with-military-discounts/ which they are continually updating.

In reviewing the list, I think there is something there for everyone. From Advance Auto Parts to Zaxby’s and everything in between.

Bravo to these businesses for offering these deals and to Brads Deals for putting this list together.

 

Stores & Services Offering Military Discounts
www.bradsdeals.com/military

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Patriotism, Veteran Benefits

AER Increases Grants to Injured Soldiers

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Troy| Leave a comment

Army Emergency Relief (AER) has increased the amount of its grants to wounded warriors evacuated from theater.  In the past, Soldiers medically evacuated from Iraq or Afghanistan were eligible for a $200 grant from AER to help them with incidentals at the new treatment location. However, in August, that amount was increased to $500.  The AER grant program began in August 2003 for Soldiers downrange evacuated for medical treatment.  To apply for the benefit and other benefits that AER provides, either through no-interest loans or grants, go to: http://www.army.mil/article/68121/ for a list of requirements.  For more information about Army Emergency Relief, visit their website at http://www.aerhq.org/index.asp, or call them toll free at: (866) 878-6378.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Military Life, Veteran Benefits

Matt Goss+Caesars Palace+Bouhammer.com=Honoring and Recognizing Veterans

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Troy| Leave a comment

This has taken a lot of time to put in place, but I am so happy to be able to finally announce this initiative in honoring all Veterans.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 05, 2011) – British singing sensation Matt Goss, in conjunction with Bouhammer’s Afghan and Military Blog (http://www.bouhammer.com), is celebrating Veterans and honoring those who serve with complimentary tickets to his show Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12 in the Gossy Room at Caesars Palace.

“It’s important to raise awareness of the heroic acts these Veterans perform on a daily basis,” said Goss. “I’m honored to give this group a much deserved, enjoyable night out.”

Invited Veterans will receive complimentary entrance to the show for themselves and a guest, dinner and a meet and greet opportunity with Goss prior to the show.

Veterans Day (originally Remembrance Day) is a day remembered by countries all over the world, originally in recognition of the end of World War I. For additional information on Bouhammer’s Afghan and Military Blog, please visit Bouhammer.com.

All performances are held inside the Gossy Room at Caesars Palace and begin at 9:30 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at $40 (inclusive of entertainment tax). Tickets can be purchased in person at the Colosseum Box Office at Caesars Palace or by phone 1-800-745-3000 or on www.ticketmaster.com keyword: Matt Goss. A service charge applies to Ticketmaster purchases.

Presented by Robin Antin, creator of The Pussycat Dolls, Goss’s show offers a dynamic blend of musical talent; backed by a nine-piece band and sexy female dancers known as “The Dirty Virgins,” Goss entertains guests with a production featuring a mix of his career hits, songs from his new album and popular covers.

Goss has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide and is recognized for his appreciation of classic hits made famous by the Rat Pack. In his show at Caesars Palace, Goss performs “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Luck be a Lady,” recorded by the legendary Frank Sinatra, who headlined numerous dates at Caesars Palace from 1968 to 1983.

About Matt Goss
Matt Goss reached international fame as the lead singer of ’80s British pop group Bros, enjoying more than a decade of success with more than 17 million records sold worldwide. Bros was the first band since Elvis to knock themselves off of the #1 spot in Australia and held a #1 spot in 19 countries simultaneously. In addition to his successful music career, Goss released an autobiography in 2005 achieving Best Seller status in the coveted London Sunday Times. Goss has gone on to focus on songwriting including writing the theme song for the #1 FOX program “So You Think You Can Dance” and writing the hit song “Change Me” for Keri Hilson and Akon which is featured on Hilson’s current chart-topping album In A Perfect World. Goss currently lives in Los Angeles where he is recording his next studio album. In September 2010, Goss released his first children’s book, “Bear Crimbo,” which is the first of a three-book deal. For more information about Matt Goss, visit http://www.mattgoss.biz.

About Caesars Palace
Reigning at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace features 3,300 hotel guest rooms and suites, including the 180-room Nobu Hotel set to open in 2012; and 25 diverse restaurants and cafes, including the 24-hour café Central by James Beard award-winning Chef Michel Richard. The 85-acre resort offers nearly 129,000 square-feet of casino space including a 14,000 square-foot poker room; a five-acre Garden of the Gods pool complex showcasing eight pools and two gardens; the 50,000 square-foot award-winning Qua Baths & Spa and Color Salon by renowned celebrity colorist Michael Boychuck; five elegant wedding chapels and outdoor gardens; 300,000 square-feet of premium meeting and convention space; and the acclaimed 683,000-square-foot Forum Shops offering more than 180 boutiques and dining establishments. Caesars guests enjoy Cascata, one of the world’s most exclusive golf courses; and the 4,300-seat Colosseum spotlighting world class entertainers such as Celine Dion, Jerry Seinfeld, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Shania Twain (beginning December 2012). For more information, please visit http://www.caesarspalace.com or http://caesars.thedigitalcenter.com to access media materials and request high-resolution images. Find Caesars Palace on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Caesars Palace, along with all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts, including Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Imperial Palace and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, proudly prohibit adding mandatory resort fees to hotel guest room rates. For information on No Resort Fees visit www.caesars.com/noresortfees or find details on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/noresortfees.

About Bouhammer’s Afghan and Military Blog
The Bouhammer [boo-ham-er] blog was originally created by a 22-year retired First Sergeant of the U.S. Army. This blog started out as a way to write about military related issues. It turned into a way for Bouhammer to document his 16 month tour as an Embedded Training Team leader in Afghanistan for family and friends. It is now one of the leading and award-winning blogs written exclusively on operations in Afghanistan and other military related topics. Troy Steward from Bouhammer.com also writes for the Official Army Blog at Army Strong Stories (http://armystrongstories.com/) , the You Served Blog (http://www.youserved.com) and co-hosts the weekly You Served Radio show and podcast (http://www.youservedradio.com). The Bouhammer blog can be found on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bouhammer and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bouhammer.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melanie Shafer
Public Relations Specialist
Caesars Entertainment – Las Vegas Region
Mshafer1@caesars.com
(702) 794-3137

Troy Steward
Owner
Bouhammer Enterprises, LLC
admin@bouhammer.com

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Patriotism, Veteran Benefits

From the Comments: Renting Out a VA Loan Home

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Marcus the Redshirt| Leave a comment

A couple of comments were posted over the last week concerning renting out a home financed with a VA loan. These are great questions and were answered by Anne Lloyd, a loan specialist with You Served sponsor VA Mortgage Center.com. This topic deserve a little more attention as I’m sure it’s one that is frequently asked by active duty members issued orders to move and vets that have had to relocate over the last few years of a troubled economy.

First question was from Tanya.

My husband and I have owned our home with a VA loan for 14 years. Due to the economy, we were forced to move last year and rented it out. Every time we speak to our mortgage co, they always ask if we are currently occupy the home and we say yes because we were scared and didn’t know if we could rent. How do we go about being on the up and up with our mortgage co? I am tired of always being afraid of them as we have in the past been seriously late on our payments before we rented out that our mortgage co threatened us every day with foreclosure. Any info appreciated.

Here is Anne’s answer.

Hi Tanya, that sounds like a challenging situation. Though it’s perfectly acceptable to rent out a home with a VA Loan (especially after 13 years as a primary residence!), it’s probably wise to be honest with your mortgage company. If for no other reason, it’s important to carry the proper insurance coverage since you have liability as home owners of a rented property. If you’re concerned about the mortgage company’s reaction, it might be a good idea to speak with someone at your VA Regional Loan Center first. Get his or her name and contact information so that if the mortgage company does question your ability to rent out the home with a VA loan, you can put them directly in touch with the VA. (You can find your Regional Loan Center here: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/rlcweb.asp). Like anything, you’ll have to make the decisions yourself, but that’s what I would do in that situation. Best of luck!

Solemei asked the next question.

As a veteran and no longer active duty, my husband and I bought our condo at the height of the bubble in 2006 (we are underwater here in Nevada). My husband has been promoted to VP of IT/SSO and must relocate. We would like to rent out our condo for the amount of the mortgage payments plus HOA monthly fees. I can’t get a straight answer from our regional VA office in Phoenix, AZ. We don’t want to just walk away and risk ruining our chances of using my VA to purchase our future home. Our lender is giving us the runaround as well. Any thoughts or recommendations? As of right now, he is commuting over 100 miles on a daily basis since his promotion in January 2011.

Anne’s answer will probably help a lot of folks.

Solemei, it should be just fine to rent out your condo, even with a VA loan on it. The only time it’s an issue is if you rent it out immediately after purchasing without using the property as your primary residence. As long as you bought the property as a primary residence and used it that way, it’s OK to rent it out later, particularly in the case of relocating for a job. If you’re having trouble getting a straight answer from your Regional Loan Center, you might try speaking to another region to see if you can find someone more helpful to put your mind at ease. Good luck

Do you have any quesitons about renting out a VA loan backed house? Leave them in the comments and I will ask Anne to take a look!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Veteran Benefits

Tagged ,

House Passes Bill That Matches Vets With Dogs

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Troy| Leave a comment

Rep. Michael Grimm’s (R,C-NY) Veterans Dog Therapy Training Act passed the House on Tuesday 11 October which offers a “win-win” for vets suffering from PTSD and others who are disabled.  Under the legislation, veterans will be able to address their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through therapeutic dog training and handling. The trained service dogs will then be given to physically disabled veterans to help them meet their daily challenges. Specifically, the legislation establishes a pilot program in VA medical centers for educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of training and handling therapy dogs. It also calls for an assessment of the benefits to the veterans, as well as encouraging the use of shelter dogs.  To read more about this bill, please go to: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/10/house_passes_grimms_bill_that.html

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Military Life, Veteran Benefits

Veterans Unemployment Legislation passes House

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Troy| 1 Comment

By a vote of 418-6, the House of Representatives recently passed legislation that is designed to end veteran unemployment.

The Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 (the VOW Act), would create the most qualified, skilled workforce since World War II by providing veterans of past eras with training benefits, ensure all transitioning service members have access to a 21st Century Transition Assistance Program (TAP), move toward a uniform credentialing and licensing standard for service members transitioning to civilian employment, and strengthen the protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act for National Guard and Reserve personnel.

“The objective of the VOW Act is to use a comprehensive approach to help a broad cross-section of veterans obtain or retain meaningful employment, but to do so in a fiscally responsible manner that doesn’t create permanent, new programs,” said House Veterans’ Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, R-Fla.

Recently released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that while the national unemployment rate held steady, there was an alarming rise in the veteran unemployment rate – from 7.7% to 8.1% nationwide.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for action.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Military Life, Veteran Benefits

PinupsForVets and Warrior Gateway team up for our troops

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Troy| Leave a comment

Our good friend Gina Elise has teamed up he organization, www.pinupsforvets.com with www.warriorgateway.org to raise a lot of money for our returning and wounded veterans.

Last year Gina was given a brand-new 2011 VW Beetle by Oprah Winfrey and rather than keep it and use it herself, she is auctioning it off to raise money for our troops. She has the car listed on ebay where you can see many pictures of it, read all the specs about the car and even make a bid on it. You can check it out at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_rdc=1&item=170712491084#ht_793wt_1167

Also be sure and watch the video below where Gina explains what she is doing and why she is doing it. We here at You Served are very proud to call Gina a dear friend.

 

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Charities/Contests, Veteran Benefits, Video, Wall of Honor, Why We Serve

‘Homes for Our Troops’ Founder Receives Humanitarian Award

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Troy| 1 Comment

A former construction supervisor and home-improvement contractor was recognized at the Pentagon for generously assisting seriously-injured veterans.  Homes for Our Troops founder John Gonsalves was awarded the 2010 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award for his commitment to build specially-adapted homes for wounded warriors at no cost to them.  Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh draped a red, white and blue ribbon and brass medallion around Gonsalves’ neck and presented him with a framed citation signed by all the service secretaries.  Homes for Our Troops has been recognized as one of the best charities in the nation receiving top honors from the American Institute of Philanthropy among other recognitions.  Following McHugh at the podium, Gonsalves said he was humbled by the award, but credited his staff for their work and dedication.  To read this article in full, please go to: http://www.army.mil/article/66232/

Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Milblog Conference, Patriotism, Spouse and Family, Veteran Benefits