Secretary Shinseki Helps Kick Off “Summer of Service”
Secretary Eric Shinseki helps disabled Veteran James McDougle from a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) patient transportation van as he arrives for his scheduled appointment at the Washington, DC, VA Medical Center. DAV–donated vans and volunteer drivers at VA medical facilities across the country take thousands of veterans to and from VA medical appointments each day. Secretary Shinseki escorted veterans to their appointments June 22 as part of President Obama’s “United We Serve” kick off for the federal government’s Summer of Service program. Each year more than 80,000 volunteers serve Veterans through the VA Voluntary Service program. Find out how you can serve those whose service protects us all during the Summer of Service at www.volunteer.va.gov.
The Post–9⁄11 GI Bill
We are now accepting applications for the Post–9⁄11 GI Bill benefit that is effective August 1, 2009. Individuals with active duty service since September 11, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit and can apply on–line at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. The program provides tuition assistance, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances. For more information, visit the GI Bill website or call 1–888–GIBILL–1 (1–888–442–4551).
National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online resource for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families and those who support them. The NRD provides information on, and access to, medical and non–medical services and resources across the country which will help them reach their personal and professional goals as they successfully transition from recovery to community living. The NRD is an online partnership of the Department of Defense, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as numerous Veteran service and benefit organizations; non–profit community–based and faith–based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations.
Veterans seeking information about their rights under the proposed settlement of the court case involving the May 3, 2006, theft of computer equipment from the home of a former VA employee can visit www.VeteransClass.com for more information.
