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Veteran's Beat: Now, wounded warriors can get more special attention

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March 3, 2010

by Ron Seman

The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense have unveiled an improved Web site for wounded warriors.

"VA is committed to tapping into the full power of the Internet to provide accurate, timely, easy-to-find and easy-to-understand information that improves the lives of veterans, service members, their families and all who care for them," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K Shinseki.

The National Resource Directory is a comprehensive, free, online tool for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families. Visitors to the site can find an extensive range of information about veterans' benefits, including disability and pension benefits, VA health care and educational opportunities. The site also provides information for those who care for veterans, such as access to emotional, financial and community assistance.

The Web site has been enhanced to provide a single point of access to a wealth of information from more than 10,000 sites by federal, state and local governments and organizations offering services for wounded warriors.

"This online directory is an invaluable resource for those involved in helping service members and veterans," Shinseki said. "Reliable information about government and private-sector programs can be a priceless tool."

A recent addition to the Web site is a specialized section where users can find help for homeless veterans. These resources will help end veteran homelessness over the next five years.

The new design will help visitors find needed resources easily. Other enhancements include a fast, accurate search engine; a "bookmark and share" capability that allows users to share valuable resources on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; and a news feature with updates on relevant information and events. Resources are added daily.

For more information, visit the site at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

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VA Bills Approved: The U.S. Senate Committee on veterans' affairs recently approved comprehensive legislation to respond to potential environmental hazard exposures on military installations, expand efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and strengthen VA health care, according to Military.comBenefits

Chairman Akaka's military exposure legislation would provide care to individuals exposed to environmental hazards at Camp Lejeune and Atsugi Naval Air Facility, and set up a national response for other potential military installation exposures. More information on the approved bills is available on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Web site.

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American Legion District 14 Meetings: The American Legion's 14th District calendar shows these upcoming meetings:

* March 5, Mantua Post 193, "Soup Supper," Village Park Lodge, 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: $6 adults and $3 children;

* March 7, Ravenna Post 331, "All You Can Eat" monthly breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m. (Every first Sunday), March 10,

* Portage County Council Meeting, Streetsboro Post 685, 7 p.m, March 14,

* District 14 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser at Charles Faust Post 281 from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost: $15 for ticket and breakfast. Call Jim Curley, 330-920-9379 for tickets. Write checks to American Legion District 14.

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Burial Benefits Brochure: As a veteran, you may qualify for burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Do yourself and your family a favor by requesting a VA Burial Benefits brochure. It will answer, correctly, all of the questions you may have on this subject. Call 1-800-821-2606, for more information.

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C Rations: "My recollections of the items contained in our C-Rations in 1950-51were ham and lima beans and franks, chicken and vegetables, corned beef hash, spaghetti and meatballs, and then there was some kind of beef patty in a juice gravy. There must have been a couple other items on the main menu, but there's nothing like beefsteak, ham and eggs, ham slices, or turkey loaf. All these scrumptious meals were served in cans. Fruit cocktail, peaches and pears for desert, and then the small cans containing hard tack disc, cocoa and candy.

"The accessory pack had a pack of cigarettes, but no Sterno cans. To heat the meal, you heated water in your helmet and then placed the can in the hot water or punched a few holes in the can and placed it to the fire. The rations we received in Korea were packed to be used during World War II.

"We enjoyed every box of issued C-Rations." said Dick France, adjutant and editor of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1812, Garfield Heights newsletter.

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News: We welcome your news items about post and auxiliary elections, awards, Food functions, and other activities.

Send your material to Ron Seman, 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma 44129, or e-mail: SemanRJ@aol.com.

God Bless America!




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