Badger Legionnaire Digital Extra February 2018
DIGITAL EXTRA THE BADGER LEGIONNAIRE FEBRUARY 2018 |
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ALR perform MIA/POW Table Ceremony On November 9, 201, several District 1 American Legion Riders were privileged to perform the honors for the MIA/POW Table ceremony (led by Rider Chaplain Rickard “Ricoh” Oberst) in advance of the Union Grove, Post 171 Auxiliary’s Veterans Day Luncheon for veterans from the Union Grove Veterans Home. The veterans were bused from the Home to the Post for this annual event.
Post 143 Recognition Night American Legion Post 143, St. Croix Falls, recently hosted a recognition night for the city police department, firemen and first responders. A $300 donation was also given to the Fire Department. The dinner was served by Boy Scout Troup 160. – submitted by Jim Chapin
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New veteran benefits and new ways to access them President Trump signed the 2017 Appeals Modernization Act at our National Convention in August. This Act has yet to be written into Regulation for use by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). The VBA has started Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP), a pilot program under the auspice of this Act without the official regulations. If you receive a letter to participate in RAMP, please consult your Veteran Service Representative before making changes to how your appeal is to be handled. Through several added internet sites and programs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has enhanced access to veteran benefits. The recent Vets.Gov website was put in place in response to veterans request to have; “one easy-to-use place to: Check your disability claim and appeal status, Find out how much money you have left to pay for school or training, Refill your prescriptions and communicate with your health care team, and more.” One new item available on this new site (once you register) is the ability to apply for a veteran ID Card. “The new Veterans Identification Card provides a safer and more convenient and efficient way for most Veterans to show proof of service,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “With the card, Veterans with honorable service to our nation will no longer need to carry around their paper DD-214s to obtain Veteran discounts and other services.” To request a Veterans ID Card, visit vets.gov, click on “Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card” on the bottom of the page, register or log in to your account, and follow the instructions. Veteran applicants should receive their new card within 60 days and can check delivery status at vets.gov. As you can see the new site is more veteran friendly (if you use a computer) and provides a one stop shop for benefits. This being said, there is a caveat to the use of this or any automated site when submitting claims. You may miss an important aspect when submitting your claim or miss claiming something entirely if not versed in veteran benefits. Examples would be a little understood Chapter 35 dependent education benefit for a child turning 18 years old; the Nehmer court case for “in country” Vietnam veterans and their surviving families; and The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Not many know that their VBA Chapter 35 approved 18 year old has access to an added benefit if they turn 18 while in high school that does not impact the number of months available for college. Due to the Nehmer court case, previously denied compensation for disabilities later added to the Regulation may be due the veteran, their surviving relatives, or their estate. RECA (administered through the Department of Justice) provides a lump sum payment to Onsite participants at atmospheric nuclear weapons, Uranium workers (Uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters), and Individuals who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site, that were diagnosed certain cancers. For these, and many more tidbits of knowledge, see your local Veteran Service Representative to get help with your VBA claims. Your CVSO administers Federal, State, and County benefits, let them guide you and you may find more than you thought was available.
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By: Chad Plenge, Badger Boys State Public Relations Every year, American Legion members see the impact Badger Boys State has on nearly 900 boys from across the state. Many alumni finish Badger Boys State and go on to make a difference in their communities, build successful careers, run for political office, and serve in the military or other public services. Alumni often credit Badger Boys State as a key component of their development. The Badger Boys State program is only possible because of the generous donations from American Legion posts, community civic organizations, and individuals who sponsor each citizen. The cost for sponsoring a boy for the weeklong program is $300. Charles Workinger, a 2005 Boys Stater and former Badger Boys State counselor, is our reatured counselor for this month: “I will always have a job that is consequential and Badger Boys State planted that seed. In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and I completed a Masters in Music Performance from the University of North Texas in 2012. After school, I did freelance work and also worked for Indiana public radio. There I used Google Analytics to track online streaming and promote corporate development. Interestingly, the radio station had a large population following in Germany. I will never be satisfied where I am not making the world a better place. This is one reason my wife and I joined the United States Marine Corps after talking with a recruiter. I became a member of the Marine Corps band at Quantico, Virginia. This spring I plan to audition for the Marine Corps’ premier bands. The premier bands play at important events, including events for the President. It would be a prestigious opportunity. Music in the military has a long and storied history. I am able to carry those transitions forward every day. The Marine Corps allows me to serve my country and live a meaningful life.” |
Waukesha County Technical College Veteran Center The Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) Veterans Catherine Habron and Mitchell Woytych began One of the employees, David John Brown, is very This center, along with others, is becoming the Mitchell Woytych Department VSR
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