Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Supporting our Troops

Last night it was announced that combat will end in Iraq. Many soldiers and their families are encouraged by the thought that they may be returning home. This prompts major changes in a soldier's life and the lives of his or her family. As a citizenry, we need to know how we can continue to support our troops as they readjust to civilian life. Learn more about the Federal and State resources and services which are available to veterans and families in finding job opportunities, counseling, and health services.

"Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it" -President Barack Obama

President Obama's message regarding the end of combat missions in Iraq:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/08/31/president-obamas-address-end-combat-mission-iraq

Welcome home events:
http://www.volunteer.va.gov/Welcome_Home_Events.asp

Benefits to U.S. Veterans and their families from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/

Benefits for returning veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom:
http://www.oefoif.va.gov/

Army and National Guard emergency relief:
http://www.aerhq.org/

Army Career and Alumni Program:
http://www.acap.army.mil/

Education and GI Bill benefits:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Jobsite for Vets, VetSuccess:
http://vetsuccess.gov/

Kansas Military Bill of Rights:
http://governor.ks.gov/issues-a-initiatives/military-and-veterans/479-kansas-military-bill-of-rights

Kansas Military Service Scholarship Program:
http://www.kansasregents.org/scholarships_and_grants

Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs:
http://roadwaytocollege.com/go/page.pl/000000A/http/www.kcva.org/vb/

Benefits available to families of Kansas Veterans:
http://roadwaytocollege.com/go/page.pl/000000A/http/www.kcva.org/mfs/

Veterans Upward Bound- KU program:
http://roadwaytocollege.com/go/page.pl/000000A/http/www2.ku.edu/~vub/

National Center for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder):
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp

Other organizations with benefits for veterans and families:
American Legion:
http://www.legion.org/

Kansas American Legion:
http://www.ksamlegion.org/

Veterans of Foreign Wars Kansas:
http://www.vfwkansas.org/

Disabled American Veterans:
http://www.dav.org/

If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, call toll-free: 1-800-273-8255.

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1 comment:

mcintyrea said...

CGSC visit to VA Hospital

Topeka, 24 September 2010.

On Friday, six students from Fort Leavenworth’s Command and General Staff College visited the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas to spend time and share stories with military veterans. The students are all U.S. Army and Department of State officers enrolled in their Intermediate Level Education course at Fort Leavenworth. They took time from their busy school schedule to spend time with some true local military heroes – many of whom are from the Topeka area. None of the six students had ever been to Topeka, and they took the opportunity to learn not only about the Veterans at the hospital, but also about the local region and some of the history associated with it.

Students and Veterans shared stories about military life (past and present), sports, families, military history, and dozens of other topics. The background of the students included artillery, engineer, communications, special operations, aviation, and information systems. With such a diverse background, there was no lack of opportunities to share stories with the veterans, whose background varied from World War II navy officers to recent Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, as well as several Vietnam and Gulf War veterans.

It was refreshing to discover the similarities and shared experiences between the veterans and the current generation of soldiers. Throughout the afternoon, there was a multitude of laughs, a few tears, and more than enough smiles from several generations of military veterans. Based on the success of this visit, the students are planning with the Public Affairs Office at the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth to schedule additional visits. Our thanks go out to the wonderful volunteer staff at the VA hospital, and to the veterans of Topeka – the true military heroes of this region of the great state of Kansas.

MAJ Andrew McIntyre
Staff Group 14B, Class 11-01
Command and General Staff College
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

September 27, 2010 at 10:57 PM

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