News (46)
Federal agencies partner to expand employment reintegration grants for homeless Veterans or those at risk of homelessness
Written by Public Affairs Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2019
Federal agencies partner to expand employment reintegration grants for homeless Veterans or those at risk of homelessness
WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) collaborated in August to successfully roll out the recently expanded Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), which will help more than 18,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans secure meaningful employment and stable housing.
HVRP grants in excess of $48 million were awarded to 149 community organizations, serving more Veterans than ever before.
“In order to stay securely housed, most Americans, including Veterans, need employment to support themselves and their families,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA, DOL, USICH and our community partners are dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk Veterans access job opportunities that aid them in exiting or avoiding homelessness.”
The recent legislation expands program eligibility to include:
- Veterans who, upon enrollment in HVRP, were homeless at any point during the preceding 60 days but have found housing.
- Veterans participating in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, Tribal HUD-VASH or VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families programs.
- Veterans who are receiving assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996.
- Veterans who are incarcerated or who are transitioning from incarceration.
Through HRVP, eligible Veterans receive employment training, transportation, professional clothing, apprenticeship opportunities, on-the-job training as well as job search and placement assistance. VA can also help these Veterans access medical care and permanent housing through a partnership with HUD.
The collaborative effort between VA, DOL and USICH includes informational sessions and webinars for grant awardees, VA staff and community partners to learn how to improve employment outcomes for eligible Veterans using these programs. The grants were awarded to non-profit organizations nationwide, such as state and local workforce investment boards, tribal governments and faith-based organizations.
“This interagency collaboration will help ensure that Veterans who are at risk, or who are currently or recently homeless, find employment success,” said USICH Executive Director Matthew Doherty. “The expanded eligibility for the HVRP program supports nationwide efforts to help Veterans move quickly into housing that becomes their springboard for achieving their goals for themselves and their families.”
HVRP is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on the employment of Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Initially authorized under Section 738 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, HVRP and its companion programs are currently authorized under Title 38 U.S.C. Sections 2021, 2021A, and 2023.
Visit www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/
Marine for Life Professional Meetup; Sept. 16th, 6:30PM Pyramid Alehouse, Seattle
Written by Public Affairs Officer
Register here (FREE): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marine-for-life-professional-meetup-sept-16th-630pm-pyramid-alehouse-seattle-registration-70728523919
Friends,
We are holding our Marine for Life event in Seattle, our "normal" place (Pyramid Alehouse by the staduims), at 6:30 PM on September 16th. We're expecting a great turnout, but can always use a hand letting people know about the event, so we could definitely use help in getting the word out to veteran job-seekers, recruiters, and veterans who can help our fellow veterans/partners in their transition out of the military, or as they work for new opportunities.
We've had dozens of people walk out with interviews or leads to interviews from these events.
We will also have people on hand to help with resumes, walk through interview processes, and even help explain what different roles actually mean in a civilian job (e.g. “What’s a program vs product vs product manager, anyway…”)
As always, this is free of charge, thanks this month to Chris Dantzscher. Chris is a Marine and a great supporter. He has in depth knowledge about the Seattle real estate market, and supports buyers and sellers including market education (especially important in this market).
We’ll have light refreshments, and you might even be able to find a place to grab an adult beverage and talk about transition, or just the world outside the military.
I get this question a lot: Is Marine for Life just for Marines? The answer is simple: No. We are open to ALL services, veteran friendly organizations, and veteran spouses/partners.
The event starts at 6:30, and we will kick off intros at 6:55PM. Job seekers, be ready to give us 30 seconds on what you think you may be interested in (and your timeline). Recruiters/veteran facing organizations, be ready to summarize what you are looking for or how you can help in about 45 seconds. No need to handouts/tables/etc. We like to keep this conversational and low key.
Hope to see you there!
Major “Ace” Nelson
Marine for Life Seattle
Times:
6:30pm - 6:45pm - Participants arrive and check-in
6:55pm - 7:10pm - Introductions followed by food & great conversation
The event is upstairs at Pyramid. Yes, there is an upstairs!
Parking behind Pyramid is free for this event. (Seriously! Just park and come in. The "pay" to the west of the building lot is Pyramid's.)
Job seekers: Business casual. Bring a resume and be ready to talk about what kind of work you are looking for and your timeline for employment (if known).
Employers: Be ready to give us 30-60 seconds on what your company does and what you are looking for (no prep, table, or handouts required).
Mentors/VSOs: Be ready to tell us how you can help in 30 seconds during intros.
Cost: FREE – Thanks to Christopher Dantzscher of Coldwell Banker Bain
If you are a business or individual and want to support this event it is appreciated. Please contact Major Nelson at seattle.marineforlife at gmail.com and he will put you in touch with a Marine Corps Support Group coordinator.
Contact:
Major Garrett “Ace” Nelson is the M4L rep in Seattle. Please contact him directly at
seattle.marineforlife at gmail.com
if he can help in any way.
Join the national-level LinkedIn group named "Marine For Life Network"
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Marine-Life-Network-5145640/about
or the West Region (specific to West Coast job opportunities)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6777653
Have questions about Marine for Life Professional Meetup; Sept. 16th, 6:30PM Pyramid Alehouse, Seattle? Contact Marine For Life - Seattle
Trump signs student debt forgiveness for disabled veterans
Written by Public Affairs Officer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Student loan debt held by disabled veterans will be forgiven under an order signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump.
Trump said the order would direct the Department of Education to "eliminate every penny of federal student loan debt" owed by American veterans who are completely and permanently disabled.
"There will be no federal income tax on the forgiven debts," Trump said, saying he'll also ask states to waive their taxes on the loans. America, he said, owes its heroes "a supreme debt of gratitude."
The administration says just half of the roughly 50,000 disabled veterans who are qualified to have their federal student loan debt forgiven have received the benefit because of a burdensome application process. Trump issued the order during his address at the AMVETS convention in Louisville and signed it afterward.
The document directs the government to develop an "expedited" process so veterans can have their federal student loan debt discharged "with minimal burdens."
Trump was visiting Kentucky to speak to more than 2,500 veterans at the nonpartisan service organization, also known as American Veterans.
Trump also was expected to headline a Louisville fundraiser for Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's reelection effort.
Bevin is running against Democratic state Attorney General Andy Beshear in what's shaping up to be a close November election.
Bevin plays up his Trump ties in pitching for a second term. Trump recently promised to hold a campaign rally for Bevin.
___
Associated Press writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report from Washington.
Read more https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-signs-student-debt-forgiveness-for-disabled-veterans/ar-AAG7Vsn?ocid=spartandhp
Volunteers Needed at the Seattle VA Hospital Community Living Center on Friday, Sept 6, 2019
Written by Public Affairs Officer
RifleClass.com is offering a basic firearms safety course that complies with Washington State law since the passage of Initiative 1639
Written by Public Affairs OfficerRifleClass.com is firearms training school, offering a basic firearms safety course that complies with Washington State law since the passage of Initiative 1639. We have created this training program to ensure that everyone who legally can and wants to own a rifle can do so safely - even if they aren't in a financial situation to spend hundreds on a typical firearms training class, or if they can't dedicate an entire weekend to take one in person.
The program is completed entirely online, takes about an hour, and only costs $20.
TJ Morgan for National Judge Advocate
Written by Public Affairs OfficerA short specific video for you while I’m on the campaign trail. Semper Fi!
Who is Joe DeAngelo? This is what I stand for and what I'm about. Semper Fi.
Written by Public Affairs Officer
Dear My HealtheVet member:
At VA, Veterans are at the center of everything we do. We are constantly working to make sure you know about the health care and benefits you have earned through your service to our country.
A new law, called the MISSION Act, strengthens VA's ability to provide you with state-of-the-art care and services through a network of providers and cutting-edge technology. The law makes several enhancements to VA care that begin on June 6, 2019.
With the MISSION Act, you will see VA continue to be a trusted, caring partner. We are focused on providing an excellent experience of care to you and the important people in your life. You'll see us expand our efforts to meet you where you are, with the right care at the right place and the right time - including through telehealth and in your community.
To help you learn more about your VA health care options, we have created a booklet that provides information on:
- Enrollment and health care eligibility;
- Expanded community care eligibility;
- Accessing new Urgent Care benefits for minor illnesses;
- Information on how copayments and insurance will be used;
- Learning more about VA's access and quality standards and how those relate to you;
- Awareness of the complaints and appeals process for health care delivery.
You can view the booklet at https://www.missionact.va.gov/
We appreciate that you choose VA for your health care and we are honored to serve you.
Sincerely,
Richard Stone, MD Executive in Charge Office of the Under Secretary for Health
For more information about the MISSION Act visit www.missionact.va.gov .
You can keep up with your health care issues by subscribing to the bi-weekly 'My HealtheVet Update' at https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
URGENT CARE LOCATOR TOOL – HOW TO ACCESS
Written by Public Affairs Officer
More...
Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans is seeking new members through July 15, 2019.
Written by Public Affairs Officer
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) ADVISORY COMMITTEES files/Solicitation-MinVetMay2019.pdf
NAMES AND OBJECTIVES
The following list of 27 VA advisory committees includes 17 that have been established by statute (with an asterisk *) and 10 non-statutory committees designed to provide advice on selected VA programs and policies. The advisory committees listed below are arranged alphabetically according to key words (bold print) in their titles. Immediately following the list of committees are summaries of the committees’ objectives.
|
1) |
VA National Academic Affiliations Council |
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*2) |
Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials |
|
3) |
Cooperative Studies Scientific Evaluation Committee |
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*4) |
Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery (COVER) Commission |
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*5) |
Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation |
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*6) |
Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education |
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*7) |
Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards (Administratively Inactive) |
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*8) |
Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War |
|
9) |
Genomic Medicine Program Advisory Committee |
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10) |
Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee |
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*11) |
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses |
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*12) |
Health Services Research and Development Service Merit Review Board |
|
13) |
Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans |
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*14) |
Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review Board |
|
15) |
Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans |
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*16) |
National Research Advisory Council |
|
17) |
Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special Disabilities Programs |
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*18) |
Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans |
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*19) |
Veterans' Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation |
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*20) |
Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board |
|
21) |
Veterans’ Rural Health Advisory Committee |
|
22) |
Special Medical Advisory Group |
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*23) |
Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities |
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*24) |
Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Advisory Committee |
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25) |
Veterans and Community Oversight and Engagement Board |
|
*26) |
Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee |
|
27) |
Advisory Committee on Women Veterans |
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Advisory Committee Objectives
VA National Academic Affiliations Council
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding partnerships between VA and its academic affiliates.
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Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the administration of national cemeteries, Soldiers’ lots and plots, the selection of cemetery sites, the erection of appropriate memorials, and the adequacy of Federal burial benefits.
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Clinical Science Research and Development Service Cooperative Studies Scientific Evaluation Committee
Provides advice on VA cooperative studies, multi-site clinical research activities, and policies related to conducting and managing these efforts and ensures that new and ongoing projects maintain high quality, are based upon scientific merit, and are efficiently and economically conducted.
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Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery (COVER) Commission (Statutory)
Provides advice to VA, the President, and Congress, and examines the evidence-based therapy treatment model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating mental health conditions of veterans and potential benefits of incorporating complementary and integrative health treatments available in non-Department facilities.
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Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on establishing and supervising a schedule to conduct periodic reviews of VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities.
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Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the administration of education and training programs for Veterans and Servicepersons, Reservists, and dependents of Veterans under Chapters 30, 32, 35, and 36 of Title 38, and Chapter 1606 of Title 10, United States Code.
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Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards (Statutory) – Administratively Inactive
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on adverse health effects that may be associated with exposure to ionizing radiation and makes recommendations on proposed standards and guidelines regarding VA benefit claims based upon exposure to ionizing radiation.
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Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary on the administration of benefits for Veterans who are former prisoners of war, their survivors, and the needs of such Veterans and their families in the areas of service-connected compensation, dependency, and indemnification compensation, health care, and rehabilitation.
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Genomic Medicine Program Advisory Committee
Provides advice on the scientific and ethical issues related to the establishment, development, and operation of a genomic medicine program within VA.
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Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters pertaining to geriatrics and gerontology.
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Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on proposed research studies, research plans, or research strategies relating to the health effects of military service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War.
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Health Services Research and Development Service Merit Review Board
Provides advice on the fair and equitable selection of the most meritorious research projects for support by VA research funds; ensures the high quality and mission relevance of VA’s legislatively mandated research and development program; advises on the scientific and technical merit, originality, feasibility, and mission relevance of individual research proposals; and advises on the adequacy of protection of human and animal subjects.
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Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on benefits and services to Veterans experiencing homelessness.
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Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review Board
Provides advice on the scientific quality, budget, safety, and mission relevance of investigator-initiated research proposals submitted for VA merit review consideration. The proposals to be reviewed may address research questions within the general area of biomedical and behavioral research or clinical science research. The Board also advises VA research officials on program priorities and policies, as well as administration of VA’s intramural program.
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Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary on the administration of VA benefits for Veterans who are minority group members in the areas of compensation, health care, rehabilitation, outreach, and other services.
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National Research Advisory Council
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on research and development sponsored and/or conducted by the Veterans Health Administration, to include policies and programs of the Office of Research and Development.
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Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special Disabilities Programs (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on VA prosthetics programs and the rehabilitation research, development, and evaluation of prosthetics technology; assesses VA programs that serve Veterans with spinal cord injury, blindness or vision impairment, loss of or loss of use of extremities, deafness or hearing impairment, or other serious incapacities.
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Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on policies, organizational structures, and the provision and coordination of services to address Veterans' post-war readjustment to civilian life, with particular emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, other substance abuse, post-war employment, and family adjustment.
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Veterans' Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the rehabilitation needs of disabled Veterans and the administration of VA's rehabilitation programs.
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Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board
Provides advice on the fair and equitable selection of the most meritorious research projects for support by VA research funds; provides advice for research program officials on program priorities and policies; and ensures that the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development program promotes functional independence and improves the quality of life for impaired and disabled Veterans.
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Veterans’ Rural Health Advisory Committee
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on health care issues affecting enrolled Veterans residing in rural areas.
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Special Medical Advisory Group (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health on matters relating to the care and treatment of Veterans and other matters pertinent to the operations of
the Veterans Health Administration, such as research, education, training of health manpower, and VA/Department of Defense (DoD) contingency planning.
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Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of VA Facilities (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on structural safety in the construction and remodeling of VA facilities, and to recommend standards for use by VA in the construction and alteration of facilities.
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Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Advisory Committee
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, through the Chief Veterans Experience Officer, related to Veterans’ families, caregivers, and survivors across all generations, relationships, and Veteran status; the use of VA care and benefits services by Veterans’ families, caregivers, and survivors, and possible expansion of such care and benefits services; Veterans’ family, caregiver, and survivor experiences; VA policies, regulations, and administrative requirements related to the transition of Servicemembers from the DoD to enrollment in VA that impact Veterans’ families, caregivers, and survivors; and factors that influence access to, quality of, and accountability for services and benefits for Veterans’ families, caregivers, and survivors.
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Veterans and Community Oversight and Engagement Board (Statutory)
Coordinates locally with VA to identify the goals of the community and Veteran partnership; provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to improve services and outcomes for Veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and the families of such Veterans and members; and provides advice and recommendations on the implementation of the Draft Master Plan approved by the Secretary on January 28, 2016, and on the creation and implementation of any other successor master plans.
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VA Voluntary Service National Advisory Committee
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Under Secretary for Health on how to coordinate and promote volunteer activities within VA health care facilities.
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Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (Statutory)
Provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the needs of women Veterans regarding health care, rehabilitation benefits, compensation, outreach, and other programs administered by VA.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jeffrey A. Moragne (00AC)
Director, Advisory Committee Management Office
(202) 266-4660
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Jelessa M. Burney (00AC)
Program Specialist
(202) 266-4549
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LaTonya L. Small, Ed.D. (00AC)
Program Specialist
(202) 266-4565
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Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) Town Hall - Colville
Written by Public Affairs OfficerLivestream at: http://www.facebook.com/WSDVA
Tahoma National Cemetary Memorial Day Event
Written by Public Affairs Officer