Thanks to Rick Isbell, City of Columbus’ Veterans Affairs Coordinator for all of the following information. Please review all of them and share with those who might benefit.
Thanks,
Ellen Rapkin
Columbus Public Health
______________________________________________
From: Isbell, Richard A.
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 11:35 AM
Subject: TBI/Vis Impaired Snowsports Camp, Virtual Admin Assistant Job, Benefits, Events, Etc.
I would like to thank Major Jenny Potter of the Wounded Warrior Regiment
(contact her at jennifer.a.potter@usmc.mil) for this fountain of information:
Please take a few moments to review the information provided below. While some of it may not directly apply to you, perhaps you know of one or more other Marines (these are open to all branches, a Marine did write this, folks) who could benefit from the information — please feel free to pass it along for widest distribution.
I will be taking some leave next week, and will be working from home part-time (checking emails and voicemails, and responding to those that are urgent). My “six” is covered by the Wounded Warrior Call Center (WWCC), at 1.877.4.USMC.WW — if you have an emergency, please contact the WWCC for immediate assistance.
I encourage those who are eligible and interested to act quickly on the Sun Valley Adaptive Sports (SVAS) snowsports camp and/or the Virtual Administrative Assistant employment opportunity. Both are short-fuse. Keep in mind that SVAS offers a wide range of programs for wounded warriors, so if you miss the boat on the snowsports camp and/or if you are interested in other programming that they offer (the snowsports camp is specifically for certain injury types, but other events have other injury selection criteria), check out SVAS’s website (www.svasp.org) and submit an application for an event. All the feedback I’ve ever received from Marines who have attended SVAS events is 100% enthusiastically positive.
The events and info listings follow:
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FREE Snowsports Camp –– Sun Valley, ID
Sign Up Today! (208) 726-9298 bert@svasp.org
Who? Visually Impaired or TBI OIF/OEF Wounded Warriors
When? January 22-26, 2009
SKIING SNOWBOARDING SNOWSHOEING NORDIC SKIING PARAGLIDING ICE SKAKING
Visually Impaired / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Snowsports Camp. The event goes from January 22-26, 2009, and is hosted by Sun Valley Adaptive Sports. Availability is limited to six wounded OIF/OEF warriors (plus significant others). Attendees will stay at the Sun Valley Inn in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho. The event is FREE — all related expenses are provided (airfare, transportation, lodgings, meals, equipment, instruction, etc.). Qualified applicants must be military personnel (active, Reserve or veteran) who were injured while serving on OIF/OEF/GWOT orders. Injury selection criteria: total blindness, or TBI (severe), or TBI (medium to severe) with polytrauma (spinal injury, amputation, blindness, hearing loss, limb salvage, severe burns, etc.), or partial blindness with polytrauma (see above). This program is open to warrior using wheelchairs or other assistive devices. Sign up deadline is 12/15/08, but spots will be filled with qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those who meet the injury selection criteria should apply by contacting Mr. Bert Gillettee, CTRS, Higher Ground Program Coordinator, at bert@svasp.org <mailto:bert@svasp.org> . For more info, please see the “SVAS Snow Camp Jan 09.pdf” attachment.
<<SVAS Snow Camp Jan 09.pdf>>
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Virtual Administrative Assistant Employment Opportunity. The employer offering this position seeks a wounded warrior (or family member who supports a wounded warrior). Qualified applicants will be proficient with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook, type at least 50 wpm, and have several years of administrative experience. Pay begins at $12 – $13.50/hr, based on experience. This is a work-at-home position … applicants must have either high-speed DSL or cable-modem internet, and a secure (lockable) home office. Typical daily routine is 9 am – 5 pm EST, Monday – Friday, but flexibility (occasional weekend/holiday/evening) is a must. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, 11/19/08. For more information, please see the “Virtual Admin Assistant.doc” attachment.
<<Virtual Admin Assistant.doc>>
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Wildlights at the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo. Saturday, 12/13/08, is Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo. Operation: Military Kids and the USO of Central Ohio will be hosting a warming station with FREE sandwiches, snacks and hot drinks from 6-9 pm at the Education Auditorium (just inside and to the right of the zoo’s front entrance). Operation: Military Kids will also be taking FREE family photos. $4 tickets (zoo admission) can be purchased after 2 pm on 12/13 at the Group Sales office at the entrance to the Columbus Zoo. Children 2 and under are free. MILITARY ID MUST BE SHOWN to purchase tickets. Event parking is $5. For more info, contact Jermaine Kennedy of Operation: Military Kids at 614.292.3758. For more info on programs for Ohio military children, visit the Operation: Military Kids websites at http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/home.aspx and http://operationmilitarykids.ohio4h.org.
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Info on Post 9/11 GI Bill. The American Legion. The American Legion has launched an informative new Web site to help veterans and their families understand the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, and how it compares with other federal education benefits for veterans. The site – www.mygibill.org – includes clear explanations of the different GI Bill benefits, news alerts and updates, frequently asked questions, state-by-state benefits and online application opportunities. The
site also includes information about The American Legion’s historical and ongoing role in the evolution of veterans’ education benefits. The site will continue to evolve with new features and updated material every week.
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Scholarships for Military Children. The Defense Commissary Agency began offering their annual scholarships to military children November 3, 2008. Applications will be available in commissaries worldwide and online though a link at https://www.commissaries.com/ <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://www.commissaries.com/> and directly at http://www.militaryscholar.org/ <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.militaryscholar.org/> . The program awards $1,500 scholarships to well-rounded, accomplished children of military families. Only dependent, unmarried children (under the age 23) of active-duty personnel, Guard/Reserve and retired military members, survivors of service members who died while on active duty or survivors of individuals who died while receiving retired pay from the military may apply for a scholarship. Eligibility is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current ID card. The applicant must be planning to attend, or already be attending, an accredited college or university full time in the fall of 2009, or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applicants should be prepared to submit an essay on the following topic: “What would you place inside a time capsule to help people in the next century understand the military life today?” Applications must be turned in to a commissary by the close of business February 18, 2009. At least one scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.
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State of Ohio Veterans / Servicemembers Benefits. Several benefits are available to Ohio service members, veterans and their dependents. This includes the Ohio GI Promise Hotline and Website (an info / assistance resource for veterans pursuing higher education at Ohio colleges and universities), phone 1-877-VETS-OH-1 / website http://universitysystem.ohio.gov/veterans/. Veterans may seek out employment services from Veterans Representatives (LVERs/DVOPs) at any one of the statewide ODJFS employment offices. If totally disabled due to their service-connected injury, veterans can participate in the Homestead Exemption. There is a state-sponsored First Time Home Buyer Program, License Plate Programs (free plates for 100% service-connected disabled veterans and former POWs, free Purple Heart license plates for Purple Heart recipients, etc.). Also, disabled veterans may be eligible for free hunting licenses, free fishing licenses, free boating licenses, and free camping in state parks. For more info, please see the attached “State of Ohio Veteran Benefits” file.
<<State of Ohio Veteran Benefits – Jul 08.doc>>
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Ohio Tourism Freebies / Discounts. The Ohio Tourism Division has partnered with the Ohio National Guard and Tourism Industry members across the state to provide military families the opportunity to make new memories together at an affordable price during their time on leave. The Division is proud to present to Ohio’s veterans and current service members discounted specials on DiscoverOhio.com <http://consumer.discoverohio.com/MilitaryDiscountResults.aspx <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://consumer.discoverohio.com/MilitaryDiscountResults.aspx> > as a way of thanking them for putting their lives on the line to protect all Americans. DiscoverOhio.com’s <http://consumer.discoverohio.com/MilitaryDiscountResults.aspx <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://consumer.discoverohio.com/MilitaryDiscountResults.aspx> > military discounts offer veteran and current service members an array of opportunities to enjoy an affordable and fun getaway with their loved ones in Ohio. From discounted rates on hotel rooms to specials on admission to some of Ohio’s greatest attractions, military men and women have a number of great options to choose from. For example, with the football season in full swing, the Pro Football Hall of Fame <http://consumer.discoverohio.com/specialoffers.aspx?detail=4604 <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://consumer.discoverohio.com/specialoffers.aspx?detail=4604> > is happy to offer free admission to its museum for veterans and current service members. In addition, a 10 percent discount will be offered in the Hall’s museum store, and each guest will receive a commemorative patriotic Hall of Fame pin. Other deals include specials from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo http://consumer.discoverohio.com/specialoffers.aspx?detail=4594> , the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum <http://consumer.discoverohio.com/searchdetails.aspx?detail=40502 <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://consumer.discoverohio.com/searchdetails.aspx?detail=40502> > , weekend getaways in Hocking Hills <http://consumer.discoverohio.com/searchdetails.aspx?detail=41210 <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://consumer.discoverohio.com/searchdetails.aspx?detail=41210> > and many other great destinations where Ohio’s military members can unite and relax with their families and loved ones. Please visit DiscoverOhio.com <http://consumer.discoverohio.com/MilitaryDiscountResults.aspx <https://webmail.nmci.usmc.mil/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://consumer.discoverohio.com/MilitaryDiscountResults.aspx> > for a complete listing of military discounts available.
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Cinci VAMC PTSD Residential Treatment Program. Beginning December 2008, the Cincinnati VA Medical Center will be offering a 10-bed Residential Treatment Program for veterans with both PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This program utilizes an efficacy based treatment program combining Cognitive Processing Therapy, coping skills building, and education. The PTSD/mTBI program will run for nine weeks, with a cohort admission, meaning all 10 veterans will begin the program as a group. For more information, please contact either the Cinci VAMC or Maj Potter.
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Holiday Mail for Heroes Program supports all military members
throughout the country (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
Thanks for your support of our wounded Warriors. Walter Reed Army Medical
Center is supporting a national effort by the American Red Cross and encourages
interested persons to send holiday cards to the address listed below.
Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
The American Red Cross is working with military hospitals, veterans facilities
and military support organizations across all military services and will ensure
that all wounded servicemembers as well as other servicemembers receive mail
from the American public. Please forward this information to your neighbors,
family members and co-workers who may be interested.
The national “Holiday Mail for Heroes” campaign to receive and
distribute holiday cards to service members and veterans both in the US and
aboard. Holiday Mail for Heroes, which began on Nov.11, Veteran’s Day, is a
follow-up to the successful 2007 effort that resulted in the collection and
distribution of over 600,000 cards to hospitalized servicemembers. This
year’s program will expand its reach to not only wounded servicemembers but
also veterans and their families. The goal is to collect and distribute 1
million pieces of holiday mail.
“As we enter this holiday season-a time to celebrate with family and
friends-it’s important to remember the thousands of men and women who serve
our nation in harm’s way and those who are recovering in military and
veterans hospitals,” said Army Col. Norvell V. Coots, commander, Walter
Reed Health Care System. “The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is a
wonderful outreach effort and a great way to acknowledge the sacrifices of our
men and women in uniform.”
These guidelines below should be followed to enable a quick reviewing process
as well as to ensure that cards are not offensive in any way to anyone who might
receive one:
1. Please ensure all cards are signed.
2. Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review
process.
3. Please do not include e-mail or home addresses on the cards as the program
is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
4. Please do not insert photos, money, religious articles (i.e.-rosary beads,
prayer cards, etc), glitter, ‘snow’ or like items in cards as these items
will be removed during the reviewing process. Phone cards or gift cards will not
be accepted with cards.
All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008.
Those wishing to send calling cards or gift cards/certificates should go to
www.aafes.com scroll down to AAFES Community Connection? and click on Help Our
Troops Call Home or Gift Cards/Certificates for Our Troops? in order to send
such items No ‘Care Packages’ will be accepted at this address.
Those interested in sending care packages should go to
www.AmericaSupportsYou.com and click under Homefront Groups to find out how to
send care packages
For more information, visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail or
http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/WRResource/Holiday_Cards_2008.pdf.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center Public Affairs
Richard Isbell
Veteran’s Affairs Coordinator
90 W. Broad St. 2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-4520
(614)645-6504 (T)
(614)645-5818 (F)
raisbell@columbus.gov
“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, & outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.” – Anon
– OCW will receive up to 10% of the price of any purchases you make during that visit. This will not increase the cost of any of your purchases.
