Outward Bound for Veterans

Outward Bound, an international non-profit outdoor education program, is offering fully funded outdoor adventure excursions to all OEF/OIF veterans. It doesn't matter what your current  military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) - you're eligible to attend as long as you deployed in support of OEF/OIF combat operations.  These five-day excursions offer adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, canoeing, and dog sledding in beautiful wilderness areas in Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, Minnesota and many other states.  All expedition costs for lodging, equipment, food, and instruction are completely funded by a multi-million dollar Sierra Club grant, including the participants' round-trip transportation between home and the wilderness site.  The excursion is offered at no cost to the participant. 

Air Force Legal Assistance Web site

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFRNS) -- Next time clients need a will, power of attorney or just have a legal question, they can visit the new Air Force Legal Assistance Web site.  The Web site is designed for active-duty and reserve component members, retirees and dependents.

TRICARE Offers Online Assistance

Week of May 24, 2010
TRICARE, the military health care program, is offering an additional option for service members to receive immediate and comprehensive mental health care. A new, online video-based telemental health care option is available for eligible beneficiaries through the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP). TRIAP is a Web-based program that allows a patient to converse with their health care provider via video camera regarding behavioral health related issues and non-medical issues. Access is unlimited and all participants will have contact with licensed counselors. Those who are eligible include service members, spouses of any age and family members over the age of 18. For more information, visit the TRIAP website or call 800-404-5085.

Military.com surveys have found that most service members and their families are confused by TRICARE. Get the facts and latest news on TRICARE.

The war in Vietnam has been over for 35 years.  Still, many who were injured in that war continue to fight significant and uncompensated disabilities. Here's some good news: The Department of Veterans Affairs has just announced that as many as 200,000 Vietnam veterans may be eligible for service-connected presumptive illnesses caused by exposure to Agent Orange. 

They are Parkinson's Disease, ischemic heart disease and B-cell leukemia's.  The VA now recognizes 15 forms of cancer and other health related problems associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Also, the VA has granted presumptive service connection for nine illnesses for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. 

A presumptive disability means a veteran does not have to prove service-connection. If you or anyone you know thinks they may qualify, contact your local Veterans Service Officer, a National Service Officer (NSO) with the Bureau of Veterans Affairs or the Disabled American
Veterans about filing claims.

Benefit Honors Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry
WASHINGTON – The children of military personnel who died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001 can apply for an educational scholarship similar to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  Benefits are retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009. The scholarship, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, are named after Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry, 28, a Texas native who died in Iraq in 2006 while disarming an explosive.  He was survived by three young children. “The Fry scholarship represents this nation’s solemn commitment to care for children whose mothers and fathers paid the ultimate price for our country,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  
VA begins accepting applications for the Fry scholarship on May 1, 2010.  

For more information or assistance applying, call toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551), or visit the VA GI Bill Website at www.gibill.va.gov.  VA estimates nearly 1,500 children will receive benefits under the Fry scholarship program in 2010.  Recipients generally have 15 years to use their benefits, beginning on their 18th birthdays.  Eligible children attending institutions of higher learning may receive payments to cover their tuition and fees up to the highest amounts charged to public, in-state students at undergraduate institutions in each state.  A monthly housing allowance and stipend for books and supplies are also paid under this program.  
VA will begin paying benefits under the Fry scholarships on Aug. 1, 2010.  Eligible participants may receive benefits retroactively to August 1, 2009, the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill took effect.  

Eligible children may be married.  Recipients are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100 percent level.   
When dependents also serve in the military, the reserves or are Veterans in their own right, eligible for education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty, the Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserves or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), then they would relinquish their eligibility under those programs to receive benefits under a Fry scholarship.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill Covers:

• Tuition & Fees
• Monthly Tax Free Housing Allowance
• Up to $1000 Annual Stipend for books & supplies
• More

Check out our Education Area including our Veteran School Directory & thousands of scholarships.

VA Home loan informational site

• My name is Jay and I am working with a veteran loan informational site to help them announce the benefits of VA Loans through their network of VA Loan educational sites including www.valoancertificateofeligibility.co (Salem Winston, NC)

These excellent Vocational & Technical Schools are also covered under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and these schools offer 100% Tuition Assistance.

Sign up with The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA) and receive free AD&D Insurance and a $25 VISA Gift Card!
Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service or NOAA and retirees under the age 65 are eligible.

WEDDLE'S Selects MilitaryConnection.com as a Top 100 Employment Website
Visit our Job Area – Check out our Job Board with thousands of jobs in all types of occupational areas. Register as a Job Seeker and upload your resume so that Employers can find you. You should also check out our Virtual Job Fair of top jobs and all of the employment resources we provide.

Mesothelioma cancer is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Countless veterans (as well as civilians who may have worked in a shipyard or in the shipbuilding industry) were exposed to asbestos while aboard naval ships, while repairing military vehicles and aircraft, and while residing in aging military housing. Troops currently serving in Iraq are also at risk of asbestos exposure, making this a very timely health and safety issue for veterans and all members of the military community. In addition to featuring information about asbestos exposure and the health consequences for veterans, we also provide content on a number of other veteran issues, including PTSD, addiction, and more.

The content found on Asbestos.net is reviewed by an independent editorial board, which includes an oncologist, a registered nurse, a social worker, a veterans' advocate, and more. This has allowed us to create one of the most up-to-date and reliable information sources found on mesothelioma and asbestos cancer today: Consistently helping to provide patients and families with thorough, accurate information as they begin their search for answers, information, and mesothelioma treatment options. While only a physician can provide specific medical advice and treatment, we can offer information and support along the way.

Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation
Did you know that a police officer is killed in the line of duty every 53 hours? Many of these officers were veterans with families. They served their country honorably and elected to continue to serve their communities as police officers. The Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation is a Federal 501 c (3) non-profit and a national advocacy group for families of fallen officers. They have created a museum quality, bronze statue that is presented to the family of each fallen hero. It's our time to serve them. Please help by making a tax deductible donation.

Give an Hour

Nationwide Free & Private Mental Health Counseling for Military, Veterans & Their Families
MilitaryConnection.com wants to let you know about our friends at GiveAnHour.org who are there to help you with counseling for PTSD or any other mental health issue.
GiveAnHour.org provides free and private mental health services to those who serve in our military, veterans and their families suffering from the psychological effects of war. GiveAnHour.org was founded by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen Romberg and is a national network of licensed mental health professionals. Currently there are more than 4,000 providers in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. If you need help, please go to their web site now.

Center for Women Veterans

Helpful Website Links
The following represents Internet Sites of Interest to Women Veterans. Providing these Internet Addresses/Sites does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of any Web site or the information, products or services contained therein. VA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations (Department of Veterans Affairs)

1. Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES): http://www.va.gov/assetmanagement/enhanceduse/montrose/cares.asp
2. CARES VISN Directory: www.va.gov/directory/guide/map.asp?divisionid=1
3. Center for Minority Veterans: http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
4. Center for Women Veterans: www.va.gov/womenvet
5. Department of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
6. Directory of National Veterans Service Organizations: www.va.gov/vso
7. DoD/VA Benefits for Guard & Reserve Members: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/Viewpublication.asp?pub_ID=1138
8. Employment help: www4.va.gov/jobs/
9. Enrollment in VA’s Health Care System: www.va.gov/healtheligibility/
10. Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships: http://www1.va.gov/opa/fbci/index.asp
11. Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
12. History of Veterans Day: www.va.gov/vetsday.
13. Homeless Veterans Program: www.va.gov/homeless/index.cfm
14. HR-Veteran Statistics: http://vssc.med.va.gov/HR/Veteran.asp
15. Information for Reservists Called to Active Duty: http://www.va.gov/ohrm/reservist/
16. National Center for PTSD: www.ncptsd.va.gov
17. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
18. Returning OEF/OIF service members: http://www.oefoif.va.gov
19. Summary of VA Benefits: www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/summaryVAbenefits.pdf
20. Survivor Benefits Homepage: http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/
21. VA Advisory Committees www.va.gov/advisory
22. VA Benefits for Veterans of Enduring Freedom-Iraqi Freedom: http://vaww.va.gov/oaa/pocketcard/oefoif.asp
23. VA Center for Veterans Enterprise & Business: www.vetbiz.gov/
24. VA Health Services Research & Development website: www.hsrd.research.va.gov
25. VA Kids website: www.va.gov/kids
26. VA National Cemetery Administration Website: www.cem.va.gov
27. VA National Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention: www.prevention.va.gov/W.asp
28. VA National Veterans Employment Office website: www.va.gov/jobs.
29. VA Public Affairs for News Releases: www.va.gov/OPA/pressrel/pressarchinternet.cfm and www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm
30. VA Statistics: www.va.gov/vetdata
31. Veterans Benefits Administration: www.vba.va.gov
32. Veterans Board of Appeals: www.va.gov/vbs/bva
33. Vet Center Website: http://www.vetcenter.va.gov
34. VA Education Benefits and Servces: www.gibill.va.gov
35. VA Home Loan Guaranty: www.homeloans.va.gov
36. VHA CHAMPVA: www.va.gov/hac
37. VHA Online Health Eligibility and Enrollment: www.va.gov/healtheligibility.
38. VHA Health Care and Services: www.va.gov/vbs/health
39. Women Veterans Health Program: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/
40. Transition Assistance Program (online): www.turbotap.org

Department of Defense
41. Department of Defense: http://www.defenselink.mil/
42. Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS): http://www.defenselink.mil/dacowits/
43. Department of Defense Combat Compensation Website: www.dfas.mil/retiredpay/combat-relatedspecialcompensationcrsc.html
44. Defense Visual Information Center: www.defenseimagery.mil/index.htm
45. DoD Family Benefits: www.defenselink.mil/ra/documents/benefits-guide.pdf
46. DoD New Policy on Prevention and Response to Sexual Assault: www.sapr.mil
47. DoD Reserve Affairs: www.defenselink.mil/ra/
48. TRICRE Fact Sheets: www.tricare.osd.mil/factsheets/index.cfm?fx=show
49. TRICARE Reserve Component: www.tricare.osd.mil/reserve/
50. TRICARE Smart Website: www.tricare.osd.mil/smart
51. TRICARE Website: www.tricare.osd.mil
52. DoD Mental Health: www.militarymentalhealth.org
53. Military Funeral Honors: www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil
54. Military Resources: www.militaryonesource.com

Department of Labor
55. America’s Heroes at Work: www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov
56. DOL Employment & Training: www.dol.gov/vets
57. DOL Veterans’ TAP Briefings: www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/main.htm
58. Hire Vets First Initiative: www.hirevetsfirst.gov

Department of Health and Human Services
59. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): http://webmm.ahrq.gov/
60. HHS Administration on Aging: www.aoa.gov
61. HHS Women’s Health: www.4woman.gov
62. Medicare: www.medicare.gov
63. Congressional Legislation & Other Information: http://thomas.loc.gov.
64. Federal Citizen Information Center: www.pueblo.gsa.gov
65. Federal Publications: http://www.feddesk.com
66. Federal Register Notice of Meeting: www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html
67. GAO report regarding the needs of women veterans: http://archive.gao.gov/pdf/119503.pdf
68. National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA): http://www.nasdva.net/
69. National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators: http://www.naswvc.com/
70. National Personnel Records Center (Military Records – DD214): http://vetrecs.archives.gov
71. OPM Pay Grade: www.opm.gov/oca/ .
72. Presidential Management Fellows Program: www.pmi.opm.gov
73. Small Business Administration’s Programs for Veterans: www.sba.gov/vets
74. SSA (Social Security) Website: www.socialsecurity.gov
75. State Veterans Homes: www.nasvh.org
76. Veterans History Project: http://www.loc.gov/vets/
77. White House: www.whitehouse.gov/

Other Organizations
78. American Nurses’ Association (ANA): http://nursingworld.org
79. AMSUS & Convention Registration: www.amsus.org
80. Arlington National Cemetery: www.arlingtoncemetery.org/
81. Armed Forces Foundation: www.armedforcesfoundation.org
82. Bar Association Legal Assistance for Military Personnel: www.abanet.org/legalservices/helpreservists
83. Business and Professional Women/USA: http://www.bpwusa.org
84. Commissary Information Baby Program: www.commissaries.com
85. The Veterans Corporation, Doing Business with the federal Government: www.veteranscorp.org
86. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve: http://www.esgr.org/
87. Funeral Ceremony Bugle: www.ceremonialbugle.com
88. HQ Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.: www.tuskegeeairmen.org/
89. Metro, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: www.wmata.com
90. Military Records Correction (SF Form 293): http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correcting-records.html
91. Military Women Veterans History: http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/
92. National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies: http://www.naccrra.org
93. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: www.nchv.org/.
94. National Resource Directory (DoD/DOL/VA): www.nationalresourcedirectory.org
95. National Veterans Legal Services Program: www.nvlsp.org
96. Native American Veterans Association (NNAVA): http://nativeamericanveteransassoc.org
97. The Women’s Research & Education Institute: www.wrei.org
98. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program: http://education.military.com/timesaving-programs/veterans-upward-bound-vub
99. VFW Unmet Needs Program for active duty, National Guard, and Reserves: www.unmetneeds.com.
100. Women In Military Service For America (WIMSA): www.womensmemorial.org
101. Women’s Overseas Service League: www.WOSL.org.
102. Women’s Policy, Inc. National Resource Directory (DoD/DOL/VA): www.nationalresourcedirectory.org
103. Women’s Policy , Inc: www.womenspolicy.org/
104. Yale University Faces: www.info.med.yale.edu/ymm

Welcome to California Military History Online!

The California State Military Museum is located at 1119 Second Street in the Old Sacramento State Historical Park. It is only a few minutes walk from the State Capital, The California State Railroad Museum and several other fine museums, parks, and tourist attractions. The museum, opened by Governor Pete Wilson in 1991, is the official military museum and historical research center of the State of California. This was reinforced on 11 September 2002 when Governor Gray Davis signed legislation making the museum a permanent museum under the California State Military Department and providing permanent funding for the museum. Finally on 13 July 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to amend the Government Code to make the museum the state's official military museum.

Greetings! As we are all aware, 2009 was a difficult year for many in our nation, and the impact on museums and cultural institution like ours has been dramatic. Nationwide, charitable donations are projected to be down by nine percent. Our Museum is experiencing similar challenges in supporting our mission to preserve the states's military history and heritage.  State funding to the museum has also been cut and it is expected that additional reductions in such funding will occur as the state fiscal crisis deepens

Therefore, with the start of the new year, I invite you to consider a tax-deductible gift or individual and corporate membership to the California State Military Museum Foundation. I can assure you that your gift will be put to good use to support our efforts to preserve the military history of California. Your support, for example, will help provide resources to preserve our evergrowing photograhic archives and our 19,000 volume military history research library.  It will also allow for obsolete display cases to be replaced or pugraded to meet current museum standards.

Most charitable gifts to the Foundation are made in the form of checks and cash. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.  For the first time, you can give on-line,  For individual memberships or cash donations, you can click the appropriate membership level on the right.  For family and business memberships you may join by CLICKING HERE. You can also join or donate the old fashioned way by mailing a check to the California State Military Museum Foundation, 1119 2nd Street, Sacramento, CA  95814.   Our IRS tax identification number is: 94-621080.

As a token of our appreciation for your support, you will receive, based on your membership level, museum passes, logo wear, after hour tours, and or discounted use of the museum multi-purpose room. Whether or not you make a gift or a membership, I also invite you to visit the Museum to see the many changes and new exhibits. We are currently upgrading or Marine Corps and Navy Exhibits and are planning a new Air National Guard exhibits.  If you already are a member of the museum, thank you for your continued support.

Questions concerning your membership or donation can be directed to me at (916) 626-1904.  Thank you in advance for your continued support of the California State Military Museum.         Sincerely, Dan Sebby,         Museum Director and Curator