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DAV: FULFILLING OUR PROMISES TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED
Arizona Chapters > Fry Chapter 14

 Content Editor Web Part

 Meetings; Claims; Fundraisers

MONTHLY MEETINGS

Many of our members have requested that we change our meeting day and time to avoid disruption of their weekends. In our October meeting, the chapter members approved such a change. Our chapter meetings will now be held on the 2d Thursday of the month at 1800. It is held at the Cochise College Downtown. Enter where our office is located. We hope that this change will allow more of our members to participate in our meetings and the decisions made at those meetings which impact our chapter. Please come and participate in your chapter activities.

BENEFIT CLAIMS

We offer walk-in service for VA claim support on Monday - Thursday from 1200-1600 at our office at the Cochise College Downtown campus on Wilcox Dr.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK DINNERS

With fundraising activities curtailed because of COVID, we have relied heavily on our chicken-fried steak dinner at the VFW to bring in funds to keep our chapter afloat. We have had to move our dinners from the 4th Friday of the month to the 1st Friday. It will continue to be the 1st Friday before our meeting. Please come and support this fundraising activity.

BEQUESTS AND DONATIONS

This past year has been a challenge for non-profit organizations who rely on fundraisers to pay for operating costs. Our DAV chapter was hit hard. Just about all of our fundraisers were cancelled. We have had to rely heavily on donations along with withdrawals from our limited savings to maintain our programs. To our donors, we say “thank you for your support”. It has really made a difference.

Recently we have received guidance from our National headquarters in reference to bequests to DAV chapters. Bequests must be worded a certain way or they will default to our National headquarters. The correct wording is identified below, along with the pay line wording for donation checks. We know you want your bequests to go to the right beneficiary, so please have them correctly worded in your trusts or wills

Bequests - DAV, Fry Chapter 14, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636

Donation checks - DAV, Chapter 14

 All donations and bequests funds must be mailed to P.O. Box 1014, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636.

We do not receive mail at our Wilcox Dr address.

 On behalf of our veterans, thank you for your financial support.

 COVID Update

COVID Update

 

·         Free COVID At-Home tests - Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them at COVID Home Tests | USPS.  Now every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 COVID at-home tests. This in addition to those already received. Go to COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests.

·         Community COVID Tests– Several organizations in the community offer COVID testing. Some require appointments. Here are a few. Be sure to check out the requirements before you show up for the test. For those who need to get tested for a medical procedure, please be sure to provide sufficient time for the results to get to you prior to the procedure. If you have a lab order, you can get your testing done at one of the labs, such as Sonora Quest.

§  Embry Health COVID Testing – Located at Rothery Educational Service Center on Fry Blvd every day. Test results take 2-3 days to get posted on the patient portal. You will be notified that your test result is ready via text message and email. You can register for the COVID test and patient portal at COVID-19 TESTING AT ROTHERY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER - Embry Women's Health (embrywomenshealth.com). You do not have to make an appointment online, but it does save time.

§  Walgreens - 1950 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. An appointment is required. Go to COVID-19 Testing | Select Location | Walgreens

 

 Transportation to Medical Appointments

Chapter 14 provides transportation to and from the VA hospital in Tucson as part of the DAV Transportation Network administered by DAV at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS). If you need transportation to or from the Tucson VA hospital, please contact DAV Hospital Service Coordinators at 520-792-1450 (Toll free1-800-470-8262), Ext. 6565, at least 5 working days in advance of your medical appointment.

On the last working day before your medical appointment, you must call the Sierra Vista Chapter 14 DAV Transportation Office at 520-458-5776 between 1000-1100 to confirm your ride.  It is the rider’s responsibility to coordinate with Tucson and the Sierra Vista DAV transportation offices and to be at the designated pickup point on time. Failure to show or other misuse of the DAV transportation system may result in a suspension of your riding privileges for up to three months.

For DAV transportation rules, click here or go to our “News” section.

 

We also provide transportation to and from medical appointments in Sierra Vista from locations in Sierra Vista, up to Whetstone, and up to Hereford. Please call the DAV Transportation Office at 520-458-5776 between 0900-1200 at least 5 working days in advance of your medical appointment. You must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system or provide proof of military service with a DD Form 214. The transportation can be for any medical appointment in Sierra Vista).

 Upgrade of Discharges Due to PTSD

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed that boards for correction of military records or naval records begin to "fully and carefully consider every petition based on PTSD brought by each veteran." As many as 80,000 veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress and received other-than-honorable discharges can use evidence of their PTSD to petition service boards to upgrade the bad paper discharge. At stake for individuals is removal of lifelong stigmas that have scarred reputations, limited job prospects and blocked critical veteran benefits.BCM/NRs will fully and carefully consider every petition based on PTSD brought by each veteran. This includes a comprehensive review of all materials and evidence provided by the petitioner. To assist the BCM/NRs in the review of records and to ensure fidelity of the review protocol in these cases, the supplemental policy guidance which details medical considerations, mitigating factors and procedures for review is provided.

 

Click here for the memorandum and supplemental guidance or go to the “News” Section.

 

 VA and Emergency Treatment

Many of us, at some point, have had to go to the emergency room for treatment. While the VA strives to provide the best service possible, they may not be able to make an appointment to see you when you are sick or injured. When the VA cannot give you a quick appointment or the medical staff believes that your illness or injury requires immediate attention, you may be directed to go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, simply because the clinic tells you to go to the emergency room does not mean that the VA will pay for the treatment. If you tell the hospital that VA will pay for your treatment, you may be in for a shock when you get a letter from the VA budget office that VA will not pay the bill. The next page will tell you what VA will or will not pay for in an emergency situation. Our recommendation is that you maintain a supplemental health plan to take care of treatment not available through the VA. This is also true if the VA is not able to take care of your medical problems and you must seek a non-VA medical clinic.  Click here for the fact sheet addressing non-VA emergency care.

 Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

The VA has a program to help unemployed veterans get back into the work force. The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) is jointly administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor (DOL). The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to veterans who are at least 35 years old but no older than 60. Eligible participants will receive up to 12 months of training assistance at the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). DOL will offer employment assistance to every veteran who participates or applies to the VRAP program. The program is limited to 45,000 participants during fiscal year 2012, and to 54,000 participants from Oct. 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree, or a certificate, and train the veteran for a high demand occupation. You can learn more about VRAP at http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm.

 VA Adds 47 Vessels to Agent Orange Exposure List

The Department of Veterans Affairs has added 47 vessels to the list of Navy and Coast Guard ships whose crews may have been exposed to Agent Orange between 1962 and 1975. Veterans who served aboard these ships and the 200 others listed may be eligible for disability compensation. VA updates its online database of ships as it is determined there is evidence a vessel operated within affected areas that potentially put crews at risk of exposure to the toxic chemical. Veterans can view the updated inventory by visiting www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/index.asp. Affected veterans and their survivors may be eligible for disability compensation for 14 different medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure.

 AZ Workforce Connection

The Arizona Workforce Connection releases a list of job openings for Cochise County. To see this list, go to the “News” section or click here.

 Older Vets to Get GI Bill Benefits

The VOW to Hire Heroes Act has one provision that be great news to unemployed veterans over the age of 35 – a new shot at 12 months of the Montgomery GI Bill (http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill/montgomery-gi-bill.html). Pre-9/11 veterans may qualify for as much as $17,600 for education and training. This benefit can be used for finishing up a college degree, certification, vocational training, On-the-Job Training and more. http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill/veteran-gi-bill-apprenticeship-and-ojt-program.html . They may also  qualify for as much as $17,600 for education and training. This benefit can be used for finishing up a college degree, certification, vocational training, On-the-Job Training and more. http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill/veteran-gi-bill-apprenticeship-and-ojt-program.html .

 Online Tools for Veteran Job-Seekers

Veterans have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers.  Their service data can be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities.  Starting Dec. 3, Veterans can use the VA’s online My HealtheVet portal (www.myhealth.va.gov) to see official information about their military service, including deployment data, in-uniform experience, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes which define the type of work performed and skills learned during their tour of duty.  Veterans can electronically download that information to their personal computers by using an enhanced version of the Blue Button.  Military job information available to Veterans under this program will depend on discharge or retirement date.  See our December newsletter for more information.                    

 Tools for Veterans

Tool Helps Veterans Connect to Resources

 

Veterans and their families have a tool to help them find information and the support they need to help them meet life’s challenges. This new tool is the Department of Veterans Affairs’ new online resource center at www.MakeTheConnection.net. In addition to connecting users to resources for issues affecting their health, well-being and everyday lives, the site features inspiring true stories from other veterans who faced life events, experiences, physical ailments or psychological symptoms and found ways to overcome their challenges.

 

Tool for Job Search

The Veterans Job Bank is a central source for veterans to locate job opportunities without having to visit multiple sites. It provides users with the ability to define their search criteria by keyword, Military Occupational Code and location. The National Resource Directory jobs search then pulls a selection of global job opportunities that have been posted or specifically tagged for veterans on job websites. The Veterans Job Bank is powered by the National Resource Directory (www.NRD.gov). In support of this initiative, the NRD also developed a Veterans Job Bank Widget, which allows access to the Veterans Job Bank directly from other websites. An easy to implement feature that any individual or organization can use, the Veterans Job Bank Widget allows veterans to conduct a targeted job search without ever leaving the website they are visiting.

 

 Tool for Jobs Search

The Veterans Job Bank is a central source for veterans to locate job opportunities without having to visit multiple sites. It provides users with the ability to define their search criteria by keyword, Military Occupational Code and location. The National Resource Directory jobs search then pulls a selection of global job opportunities that have been posted or specifically tagged for veterans on job websites. The Veterans Job Bank is powered by the National Resource Directory (www.NRD.gov). In support of this initiative, the NRD also developed a Veterans Job Bank Widget, which allows access to the Veterans Job Bank directly from other websites. An easy to implement feature that any individual or organization can use, the Veterans Job Bank Widget allows veterans to conduct a targeted job search without ever leaving the website they are visiting.

 Arizona Veterans’ Benefits

It is important to know your Arizona veteran benefits. Click here for an updated list of those benefits.   

 Conglomerate Veteran website

There is a website online that provides information to our veterans.  It is a combination of 63 websites that provide information, service, and product sites serving the U.S. Military Veterans market.  You can find this website at http://www.veteranstodaynetwork.com/.

 VA Creates Women Veterans Call Center

The VA has is reaching out to women Veterans to solicit their input on ways to enhance the health care services VA provides to women Veterans. It is seeking the input of women Veterans so that VA can continue to provide high quality health care to the growing numbers of women Veterans. Representatives at VA’s Health Resource Center (HRC) are placing calls to women Veterans nationwide, asking them to share their experiences with VA and suggest potential enhancements that will further VA’s mission to provide the best care anywhere. The HRC, which started placing calls on June 1, is contacting women Veterans who have enrolled, but have not begun using VA services. . “We want these Veterans and their caregivers to talk candidly about why they are not using VA, whether they are aware of the gender-specific services we offer, and what additional services they would like to see VA offer.”

 VA Public Service Announcement on Suicide Prevention for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to Veterans in crisis and their families in a new public service announcement to raise awareness about suicide prevention resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). “VA is increasing its efforts to reach out to Veterans in need and their families, to inform them about available services and programs.” The new television spot encourages Veterans in crisis to call the crisis hotline number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and then push 1 on their telephone keypad to reach a trained VA mental health professional who can assist the Veteran 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  “Suicide is preventable,” said Batten. “Every Veteran suicide is tragic and regardless of the numbers or rates, one Veteran suicide is too many.  We feel the responsibility to continue to spread the word throughout the nation that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.”So far, more than 379,000 people have called the hotline, and more than 200,000 of these callers have identified themselves as Veterans, family members or friends of Veterans. The hotline has led to more than 13,000 rescues of actively suicidal Veterans. The hotline also operates an online Veterans Chat program, which provides Veterans, their families and friends with the ability to communicate anonymously online in real-time with a trained VA mental health professional.  Veterans Chat can be accessed through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s web page at http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx.

 New Website Helping Veterans With Legal Problems

The first website in the nation to focus exclusively on federal legal rights   and resources important to veterans is off to a robust start, with visitors from all 50 states and 77 countries worldwide, including Iraq and Afghanistan. The website—StatesideLegal.org—was created by Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Portland, Maine, a nonprofit legal aid program funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). The website was launched last November as part of an LSC initiative to expand access to legal services for veterans. Recently awarded technology grants will be used by Pine Tree to expand Stateside Legal’s content and develop a new library of legal resources for professionals working with low-income veterans. An additional technology grant to the Legal Aid Society of Louisville will automate the initial application for disability compensation, helping veterans across the nation to improve the quality of their benefits application. For more information on the news release, click here.

 New and Enhanced VA Benefits Provided to Caregivers of Veterans

The VA is launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured Veterans.   In May 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible Post 9/11 Veterans. In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible Veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001 (Post 9/11 Veterans), VA will also begin providing enhanced benefits and services to caregivers of Veterans of all eras who are already enrolled in VA care. For more information, go to http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2048.

 Conglomerate Veteran Website

There is a website online that provides information to our veterans. It is a combination of 63 websites that provide information, service, and product sites serving the U.S. Military Veterans market. You can find this website at http://www.veteranstodaynetwork.com/.

 Mortgage Help for Wounded Military Homeowners

Military Homeowners - If you have been wounded while on active duty, or your spouse has lost their life in combat, you may be eligible for special mortgage forbearance. If you are unable to make your mortgage payment as a result of one of these unique hardships, and your loan is owned by Fannie Mae, you may be eligible for temporary relief from your monthly mortgage payments. To find out if Fannie Mae owns your mortgage or if you are eligible, please call Fannie Mae at 1-877-MIL-4566. Click here for more information.

 Home Adaptation Grants Eligibility Expanded

The VA adopted a final rule that will expand eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants for permanently and totally disabled veterans and armed service members. The new rule makes both types of grants available to those who suffered extensive burns limiting movement of two or more limbs or at least one limb and the trunk. It also makes special home adaptation grants available to permanently and totally disabled veterans and service members who lose or lose use of both hands, those with severe burns and those with inhalation injuries. The rule would allow special adapted house grants of as much as 50 percent of the cost of a new home up to approximately $64,000 for permanently and totally disabled veterans with burns that limit their range of motion in two or more limbs or one limb and the trunk of the body. It also adds members of the armed services on active duty to be eligible for both types of grants. For more information, go to: http://dav.org/news/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=323.

 Important Documents Checklist

It is in the interest of every veteran’s family to have the information that’s needed in the event of the veteran’s death or incapacitation. One good way to provide that information is use our important documents checklist. It includes the documents you should have, a page to identify the location of those documents and special notes. Make sure your spouse or executor/trustee has the information necessary to obtain benefits for your family upon your death. Click here for our Important Documents Checklist.

More information on benefits is located at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/index.htm and at https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ .

 

 Did You Know?

Donations you make online to the Disabled American Veterans go to the National office. If you wish to donate to your local chapter, Fry Chapter 14, you must send the check to our mailing address at PO Box 1014, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636. Please make the check out to DAV, Chapter 14. We also take donations in cash. If you have any items to donate, please call us at (520) 458-0307 to make delivery arrangements. Thank you.

 Announcements from DAV Headquarters

Member responsibilities during elections

DAV encourages you, as an individual, to register to vote, to vote in elections and to actively support the candidates of your choice. However, as a DAV member, you have the responsibility to ensure your activities as a private citizen do not give the appearance that DAV supports or opposes any political candidate. Click here to learn more.


 Membership

Sign up for DAV Membership, update personal information or make membership payments via the DAV Online Membership System.

 Legislative

For the latest legislative news, visit our Legislative Action Center.

 Calendar

4/26/2024 5:30 PM   Chicken Fried Steak Dinner 
DAV Fundraiser
4/27/2024 1:00 PM   Monthly Meeting 
4/27/2024 1:00 PM   Monthly Meeting at Cochise College Downtown Center at 1300 
5/24/2024 5:30 PM   Chicken Fried Steak Dinner 
DAV Fundraiser
5/25/2024 1:00 PM   Monthly Meeting 
5/25/2024 1:00 PM   Monthly Meeting at Cochise College Downtown Center at 1300 
6/22/2024 1:00 PM   Monthly Meeting 
6/22/2024 1:00 PM   Monthly Meeting at Cochise College Downtown Center at 1300 
6/28/2024 5:30 PM   Chicken Fried Steak Dinner 
DAV Fundraiser
7/26/2024 5:30 PM   Chicken Fried Steak Dinner 
DAV Fundraiser
(More Events...)
 
 

 Location

Cochise College Downtown Center

Suite H104

2600 E. Wilcox Dr.

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

 Contact Information

SERVICE OFFICER: (520) 458-0307

TRANSPORTATION: (520) 458-5776

E-MAIL: davsv14@gmail.com 

 Contact Us

Mailing Address:
2621 Knollridge Dr
Sierra Vista, AZ  85650
Ph: (520) 458-0307
Fax: 
 
Meeting Location:
2600 E Wilcox Dr
Sierra Vista, AZ  85635
Phone: (520) 458-0307
View Map

Meetings Are Held on the
2nd Thursday of each month
Time: 18:00:00
Wall

 Auxiliary Information

For Auxiliary contact information, officer listing and news, click here.

 Links

  DAV National
  DAV Arizona Department
  DAV Online Store
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  My HealtheVet
  Southern AZ VA Health Care System
  DFAS MyPay
  Joint Service Clubs of Greater Sierra Vista
  City of Sierra Vista
  Ft Huachuca
  Sierra Vista VFW
  AMVETS
  WAC Veterans' Association
  American Legion Post 52
  Huachuca AUSA
  Sierra Vista Herald
  Agent Orange
  Gulf War Illnesses
  Healthier US Veterans
  Homeless Veterans
(More Links...)
 
 

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