Inaugural 9/11 Honor Walk Coming to Huntsville

Still Serving Veterans, Soldier 1 Corporation, Turning Point Consultants LLC, Distinct Grace, Blue Star Veterans, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, have teamed up to bring Huntsville the inaugural “9/11 Honor Walk: Remember. Heal. Celebrate.” on Sep. 13, 2014 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The event is free with preregistration and will bring the community together in order to remember and honor all those affected by the tragic events of Sep. 11, 2001.

On September 11th, our world changed in an instant. We were handed a stunning tragedy the reverberations of which still echo in our lives today. With enormous dedication and courage First Responders rushed into burning towers and into the Pentagon. Passengers took down a commercial jet to save others. Others too, bore an incredibly disproportionate share of our country’s response to the attacks. Our military and their families, with enormous heroism, absorbed the consequences for us all with costs we cannot imagine. On Sep. 13, 2014 we honor them

The Honor Walk is no ordinary walk – it’s a labyrinth walk that is modest yet reflective. The 60×60 labyrinth is a simple path leading in a circular fashion to a center and then back out again. It will be located under the Path Finder Space Shuttle with the Color Guard for a one-of –a –kind first experience in North Alabama to honor the destiny of our times through those who paid for our future. There are no tricks or traps. As in life, there are many twists and turns and this ancient pattern can make visible and concrete the interior journey of those who walk it. Following the walk will be the celebration that will feature music from local bands JED Eye, Distinct Grace, and The Reps.

Tickets to the event are free with preregistration and include access to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s museum. Attendants without tickets will be required to pay museum entry or register at the door in order to access the event. Visit rocketcenter.com/HonorWalk to register for tickets.

Employment Services Team Gets Pat on the Back

Still Serving Veterans works diligently to help Veterans and their dependents find meaningful employment, receive all the benefits and services they have earned, and connect to other resources within their community. We are constantly surrounded by success stories and every now and then a client goes out of their way to express their gratitude.

This time the lucky recipient of praise was Mrs. Linda Warriner, one of Still Serving Veterans’ Employment Services Specialists in the North Alabama office. One of her clients, Sheila, dropped off a lovely flower arrangement and a sweet “Thank You” note. In addition, Sheila agreed to tell one of our big supporters, the Call of Duty Endowment (CODE), about the great experience she had with us during her job search.

At the age of 57, Sheila was having difficulties finding a job. She felt that she was sending out endless amounts of resumes and was not getting any call backs and was beginning to give up hope. After a five month dry spell, Sheila decided it was time to get some help and stumbled across Still Serving Veterans.

“Still Serving Veterans was a great asset to me,” Sheila said. “Mr. Armstrong sent me leads that I applied for. I really appreciated the leads. They were for great companies. Ms. Linda Warriner was the one that called me and kept my spirits up,” Sheila beamed. “She was always upbeat, supportive, kind, professional, and helpful. She went above and beyond what she had to do to help me find a job. If a job opening came across her desk that fit me, she called me or sent them my resume. I would have lost hope of finding a job if it hadn’t been for her. She is a real jewel.”

“Linda Warriner is a major asset to Still Serving Veterans and all the Veterans who go there for guidance and help,” Sheila continued. “I wish we had more people that cared as much as she does. Thanks to Linda Warriner and Still Serving Veterans, I will be employed and useful in the work environment. I can never thank her enough for caring ways and persistence in getting me a job.”

Huntsville’s 2014 Armed Forces Celebration Events & Freebies

Monday, August 4

0900: Armed Forces Celebration proclamation at the Huntsville/Madison County Veterans Memorial on Monroe Street near Washington Street. (The Chamber auditorium at 225 Church Street is the rain site.)

1830: Army Materiel Command Band performs in Big Spring Park. Weather-permitting, there will be a fireworks display at 2100 This event is free of charge.

Tuesday, Aug. 5 & Wednesday, Aug. 6

1900: The U.S. Army Soldier Show

Von Braun Center Concert Hall. Tickets for both shows are no longer available. Doors of the VBC Concert Hall will open 10 minutes prior to show time.  If there are available seats at this time we will let people in without a ticket.

Wednesday, August 6

12 p.m.: Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon

featuring AMC’s Gen. Dennis Via in the Von Braun North Hall. (Must register in advance: click here for registration)

Thursday, August 7

1000: Purple Heart Day Award

Program at the Huntsville/Madison County Veterans Memorial. The community is invited.

Friday, August 8

0800: “Iron Mike Golf Tournament”

AUSA Redstone at The Links at Redstone Course on Redstone Arsenal. For more information/registration, click here.

1700-2100: Armed Forces Celebration softball games 

Huntsville Metro Kiwanis Sportsplex Field #2 at 3590 Patton Road. There is no charge to attend.

1700: Game 1 – Team Redstone Leadership vs. Team AUSA.

1900: Game 2 – Huntsville/Madison County Leadership vs. Senior Rec League All Stars.

Saturday, Aug. 9

1000: F16 Red Tail dedication at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Aviation Challenge to honor the legacy squadron. This event is open to the public.

Also during Armed Forces Celebration, free or discounted admissions to attractions for active or retired military I.D. card holders (and military families) are offered by:

• Heart of the Valley YMCA – more information
• Huntsville Museum of Art
• U.S. Space and Rocket Center
• Burritt on the Mountain
• EarlyWorks Museum Complex
• Sci-Quest, Hands-on Science Center
• Huntsville Botanical Garden – more information

Setting Up/Renewing Your Kroger Community Rewards to Benefit SSV

Still Serving Veterans is enrolled in Kroger’s Community Rewards program. The program gives rebates to SSV whenever a customer shops at Kroger with their Kroger Plus Card! All you have to do is register your Kroger Plus Card online and choose Still Serving Veterans as your preferred nonprofit. It’s a great, easy way to support Veterans and their families in Alabama.

If you are already registered, be sure to update your
community rewards information each August!

Below are instructions on how to participate:

• Go to https://customer.kroger.com/communityrewards.aspx
• Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up.
• Do you use your phone number at the register? This is your Alt ID
• If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, the site offers an option to create one during the registration process

• Click on Sign In if you are already registered or Create An Account if you are new to the site
• Enter your email address and create a password, then enter your zip code to select your favorite Kroger store location
• You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
• Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
• Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
• Update or confirm your information.
• Enter NPO number or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm.
• To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
• Members must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

Kroger is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Kroger Community Rewards® makes fund-raising easy…all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!

SSV East Alabama Is Making A Difference

Still Serving Veterans’ East Alabama office in Phenix City may only be 3 months old but they are already making waves in the Veteran community. Check out what one Veteran had to say about their services:

“Mr. Livings,

I wanted to take the time to show my appreciation for everything Still Serving Veterans has assisted me with during my transition from the United States Army to the Civilian world. In May 2014 I attended a job fair at Fort Benning, Ga. at the time I was in the process of being medically discharged from the military due to service connected disabilities. Not having a clue of my future or what I should do to prepare myself you gave me your business card and let me know Still Serving Veterans was there to assist.

June 2014, I came to your office and was greeted by Jeremy Ellis whom took the time to get to know me and get a idea of what I was looking for as a Veteran. We discussed employment opportunities and preparation for my transition from a soldier to a civilian. Mr. Ellis took the time to rebuild my resume to attract employers by highlighting my military experience and education, and provided me with necessary resources (i.e What Color is your Parachute?) to understand how to be successful finding employment. Mr. Ellis also emailed me regularly with available job openings and asking if I needed assistance. After a few weeks struggling and realizing how difficult it was to find employment I began losing motivation and started to lose hope. Luckily Mr. Ellis contacted me to get a status, I notified him I had at that time been unsuccessful. Immediately I received a call from yourself and was directed to a open position.

Within 48 hours I was working and other doors had opened up for me. July 2014, After a brief period with the employer, I accepted another interview and received a conditional offer from a employer I was excited to work with. Not only did we reach the goal of finding employment but we were successful finding a position that has opportunities with possible career advancement and financial stability for my wife and I.

Also in July 2014, Wayne Knight provided me with assistance in applying for the post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits and counseling on the process of applying and registering for College courses to further my education and career.

I am thankful for everything Still Serving Veterans and your staff has helped me with. I will continue to ask for assistance because my transition has just began but now has hope. I’m excited to notify current and future Veterans of the service that is provided.

Respectively,

Jose”

The East Alabama office serves the greater Auburn/Phenix City/Columbus area and focuses on employment services and connections to other community resources. Although the office does not yet have VA Benefits & Claims Assistance capabilities, clients in need of this service can be referred to the Huntsville office staff in which case meetings will be conducted over the phone or, in some cases, clients may be referred to a local Veterans representative.

If you a Veteran/transitioning service member, a Veteran dependent, a military spouse, or someone you know is and needs help finding employment, receiving VA benefits, or any other service please call or email Still Serving Veterans today:

Website: http://www.stillservingveterans.org
Email: admin@stillservingveterans.org

East Alabama Office (serves Auburn/Phenix City/Columbus area & beyond):
3601 C Summerville Rd., Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 384-9111 | Fax: (334) 384-9112

North Alabama Office (serves TN Valley area & beyond):
224 Spragins St., Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 883-7035 | Fax: (256) 883-7166

Resource Spotlight: Priority Veteran

Priority Veteran provides intensive one-on-one assistance to help veterans locate stable permanent housing and link them to resources to gain the skills and knowledge to help them remain financially stable. Case Managers help veterans create a Housing Stability Plan as well as access medical or mental health services, veteran’s benefits enrollment, job search assistance, financial coaching and more.

In partnership with United Way of Central Alabama, Priority Veteran provides veterans across Alabama with federal, state and local resources; linking veterans to hope. Priority Veteran began offering services to veterans in October 2013 with a $2 million Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is Priority Veteran?

It is a service coordination program for homeless veterans and their families to help them secure permanent, sustainable housing and provide access to resources such as medical or mental health services, benefits enrollment, job search assistance, financial coaching, etc.

Who qualifies for Priority Veteran?

• Veterans and their family members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
• Very low income veterans based on area income standards
• Veterans discharged other than dishonorable
• Veterans with 24 months of service or with a VA Medical Card

What does ‘homeless’ mean?

The veteran (and family) does not have fixed, regular and adequate nighttime shelter or will lose nighttime shelter within a short period of time.

What are some of the services Veterans can receive from Priority Veteran?

Priority Veteran offers can assist low-income, homeless or at-risk veteran families with:

• obtaining permanent, stable housing
• obtaining VA benefits
• obtaining federal and/or state benefits
• accessing community-based resources
• obtaining/completing employment training
• obtaining employment
• Advocacy in landlord/tenant disputes
• Advocacy in rent/utility arrearages
• Temporary Financial Assistance
  • Deposits
  • Rent assistance
  • Moving costs
  • General housing supplies
  • Utility assistance

Can families get help for a veteran?

Yes, services are for veterans and their families.  Veterans have to voluntarily agree to a Housing Stability Plan.  Families can call Priority Veteran and encourage veterans to enroll.

Can veterans get financial assistance from Priority Veteran?

Priority Veteran can assist with the cost of some service(s) in the Housing Stability Plan if the veteran will be homeless if that service is not provided.  This decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Find out more about Priority Veteran and how to contact them by visiting their website: http://priorityveteran.org/priorityveteran/

Mr. and Mrs. Letson’s Story

Mr. and Mrs. Letson originally came to Still Serving Veterans to find out what, if any, VA benefits they were eligible for. After speaking with them for some time Laura, one of SSV’s Veteran Benefit Specialists recognized that they needed more than what the VA would be willing to offer them. The tornadoes of years past had taken a toll on the Madison couple’s home and on top of that, the home was no longer suitable for Mrs. Letson who was now confined to a motorized wheelchair.

The Letson’s were connected to SSV’s Community Integration Program counselors who helped the Letsons apply for a home renovation grant from Reliance Bank. Soon after, the process of renovations had begun and the couple was notified of the work planned for their home: a reconfigured bathroomthat would be handicap accessible, widened door frames, new sheet rock to replaced the damaged portions, relocation of the bedroom door, and new carpeting in the bedroom. The couple was astonished at the amount of work planned for their home and anxious for the results.

While their home was undergoing renovations, SSV also connected the Letson’s with The Madison Record in which both were highlighted as “Veteran of the Week.” Mrs. Virginia Letson spoke of how she twisted her father’s arm to sign the papers so she could join the Navy. Eight months later she had risen to the rank of Seaman Apprentice. Meanwhile, Mr. Charles Letson fought in the first attacks against North Vietnam in 1964 and rose to Petty Officer Third Class during his service. Soon after, Virginia met Charles Letson through a blind date at the drive-in. “I told her I’d give her 5 minutes to decide whether she wanted to marry me ,” Mr. Letson said. “And she said yes.” After 52 years of marriage, moving from city to city, and raising three kids, the Letson’s have finally begun to slow down but continue to be active in the Veteran community, including Still Serving Veterans. “Those people are all outstanding people,” Mr. Letson said of SSV’s staff.

Two months after initiating the renovations with SSV and Reliance Bank, the work was done. The Letson’s were incredibly thankful and had fallen in love with their home all over again. See some before and after shots below. For more pictures, visit Still Serving Veteran’s Facebook Page.

Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Information

This nationally renowned program was created by Act 633 and approved October 1947 by the Alabama Legislature. It is administered by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and is governed by the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-6-1. The veteran must meet the following qualifications to establish eligibility of his/her dependents. A dependent is defined as a child, stepchild, spouse or the un-remarried widow (er) of the veteran.

Military Service:

The veteran must have honorably served at least 90 days of continuous active federal military service or honorably discharged by reason of service-connected disability after serving less than 90 days of continuous active federal military service.

Disability Requirements:

The veteran must be rated 20% or more due to service-connected disabilities or have held the qualifying rating at the time of death, a former prisoner of war (POW), declared missing in action (MIA), died as the result of a service-connected disability, or died while on active military service in the line of duty.

Residency Requirements:

The veteran must have been a permanent civilian resident of the State of Alabama for at least one year immediately prior to (a) the initial entry into active military service or (b) any subsequent period of military service in which a break (1 year or more) in service occurred and the Alabama civilian residency was established. Permanently service-connected veterans rated at 100% who did not enter service from Alabama, may qualify after establishing at least five years of permanent residency in Alabama immediately prior to the filing of an application or immediately prior to death, if deceased.

Student Entitlement:

As of Fall 2009, children and stepchildren of qualified veterans may receive five standard academic years (10 semesters) at any Alabama state-supported institution of higher learning or a prescribed course of study at any state-supported technical school without payment of any tuition, mandatory textbooks or instructional fees.

Additionally, eligible spouses and un-remarried widow(er)s of a qualified veteran rated as 100% permanently and totally disabled may also receive five standard academic years (10 semesters) at any Alabama state-supported institution of higher learning or a prescribed course of study at any state-supported technical school without payment of any tuition, mandatory textbooks or instructional fees.

Exception: As of Fall 2009, a spouse or un-remarried widow (er) of a veteran rated 20% to 90% disabled is entitled to three standard academic years (6 semesters) without payment of tuition, mandatory textbooks, and instructional fees or completion of the duration of one prescribed technical course not to exceed 18 months.

Participants in the program prior to Fall 2009 are eligible for four standard academic years (8 semesters) or two standard academic years (4 semesters), respectively.

Note: Applicants applying for benefits under the scholarship program beginning on or after Fall 2014 (August 1, 2014) will be eligible for benefits at the in-state and undergraduate tuition rate.

Note: Applicants who were previously denied benefits based solely on the veteran’s peacetime status may re-apply and receive benefits under the scholarship program at the out-of-state and graduate rate if applicable. Applications for previously denied applicants must be resubmitted and received at ADVA Headquarters prior to August 1, 2015 in order to receive benefits at this capacity.

Number of Awards:

There is no restriction on the number of eligible dependents under the veteran; however, each dependent may only receive the benefit once, regardless of changes in their future dependency status.

Age Deadline:

The child or stepchild must initiate training under our program prior to his/her 26th birthday. In certain situations, a child or stepchild may be eligible for our program up to the age of 30.

Note: This deadline may be extended for previously denied applicants who were denied based solely on the veteran’s peacetime status. In order to receive this extension, applications must be resubmitted and received at ADVA Headquarters prior to August 1, 2015.

Unauthorized Courses:

Our program does not pay for noncredit courses, remedial courses, placement testing, GED preparation, continuing educational courses, pre-technical courses, or state board examinations.

Supplies:

Our scholarship program does not pay for supplies such as pens, paper, notebooks, tools, art supplies, uniforms, computer software products, etc.

Book Purchases:

The G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program will only pay for those textbooks that are required for the courses in which the student is officially enrolled. Our program does not pay for the purchase of reference manuals, access codes, suggested reading materials, study guides, or recommended workbooks, etc. Reimbursement will not be made.

Alabama State Supported Schools:

Alabama A & M University – Normal
Alabama Southern Community College – Monroeville and Thomasville
Alabama State University – Montgomery
Athens State College – Athens
Auburn University – Auburn, and Montgomery
Bevill State Community College – Fayette, Hamilton, Sumiton, and Jasper
Bishop State Community College – Main, Carver, and Southwest
Central Alabama Community College – Alexander City and Childersburg
Chattahoochee Valley Community College – Phenix City
Enterprise State Community College – Albertville, Andalusia, Decatur, Enterprise, Fort Rucker, Mobile, and Ozark
Gadsden State Community College – Gadsden, Anniston, and Centre
George C. Wallace Community College – Selma, Dothan, Sparks, and Hanceville
J.F. Drake State Technical College – Huntsville
Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville
James H. Faulkner State Community College – Bay Minette, Fairhope, and Gulf
Shores
Jefferson Davis Community College – Brewton
Jefferson State Community College – Birmingham, Pell City, and Clanton
John C. Calhoun Community College – Decatur, and Huntsville
Lawson State Community College – Birmingham and Bessemer
Lurleen B. Wallace State Jr. College – Andalusia, Greenville, Luverne, and Opp
Marion Military Institute – Marion
Northeast Alabama State Jr. College – Rainsville
Northwest Shoals Community College – Muscle Shoals and Phil Campbell
Reid State Technical College – Evergreen
Shelton State Community College – Tuscaloosa
Snead State Jr. College – Boaz
Southern Union Community College – Wadley and Opelika
Trenholm State Technical College – Montgomery
Troy University – Troy, Montgomery, Dothan, and Phenix City
University of Alabama – Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa
University of Montevallo – Montevallo
University of North Alabama – Florence
University of South Alabama – Mobile
University of West Alabama – Livingston
*Online courses are covered under this program if offered through the schools listed above.

Eligibility Limitations & Terminations:

Dependents are eligible to participate in the program only as long as they remain the legal dependent of the veteran from which they derive their eligibility. In the event of a divorce action, the former spouse or stepchild will be ineligible to participate effective the date of the divorce. Any educational financial obligations entered into after the divorce date will be the responsibility of the former spouse or stepchild.

Widow(er) forfeits all entitlements upon remarriage without further consideration of reinstatement.

Application Assistance:

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs maintains offices throughout the state which can furnish information and assist you in filing your application. To find your nearest Veterans Service Office, visit the Veterans Service Office Locator Page for contact options.

Out-of-state applicants may receive additional information by contacting:

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 1509
Montgomery, AL 36102-1509

Phone: (334) 242-5077

Links:

State Supported Schools

Alabama G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Pamphlet

During Transition, Find Strength in Serving Others

(Original article: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/during-transition-find-strength-in-serving-others.html)

When the going gets tough, we have a saying in the Marine Corps: don’t go internal. When you’re in an uncomfortable or painful situation, it’s only natural to focus internally on the discomfort you’re experiencing instead of staying focused externally on the mission at hand.

Much like your time in service, your military transition isn’t going to be a rose garden. In fact at times it’s going to be very unpleasant. What got us through the hard times during our service was our commitment to putting the welfare of others ahead of ourselves. Think about it: whenever we go internal, whenever we start thinking about ourselves, we become weaker. When we think about the mission and focus our thoughts on serving and supporting others, we become stronger – and when that happens, nothing can stop us.

The U.S. military is perhaps the most diverse organization on the planet. It’s the ability to harness this diversity and channel it towards a common goal that makes us the greatest fighting force on earth. There’s one common principle that every individual service member shares: a desire to serve something greater than him or herself. This is our strength!

It’s extremely easy to go internal when making your transition. Trying to figure out what career to pursue or what you want to do with your life is a daunting task. It’s overwhelming and it’s exacerbated by the fact that you no longer have your buddies around to kick you in the butt when you start to feel sorry for yourself.

When you start to get discouraged and frustrated during your transition, and you can begin to feel yourself going internal, draw strength and direction from your inherent desire to serve something greater than yourself. Ask yourself:

• How can I make a positive difference in the lives of others?
• What kind of service can I provide to my community?
• What can I do to make the people around me better?

Service is your guiding principle throughout your transition. When you joined the military, you raised your right hand and swore to serve the nation. When you left, no one told you to put your hand back down. You never stop serving; you’re just choosing to serve in another capacity.

When the going gets tough, don’t go internal. Focus your energy on becoming an asset to your community and you will find your way.

About the Author:

Michael Abrams is an Afghanistan veteran and Founder of Four Block, a veteran career development program based in New York.  He is the author of Business Networking for Veterans as well as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University.

OFCCP Event – Building Partnerships to Employ Individuals with Disabilities

We cordially invite you to join us as we begin…

Building Partnerships to Employ Veterans & Individuals with Disabilities

Presented by
Birmingham District Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
and
Alabama Department of Rehabilitative Services

Employers, join us and learn how you can partner with local recruitment and referral sources that have a pool of qualified veteran and disabled applicants seeking employment opportunities. Connect with other community based organizations, federal contractors, and state employment agencies in the effort to build a diverse workforce!

PRESENTERS:
Department of Veteran Affairs
Alabama Career Center
Alabama Vocational Rehabilitation
Still Serving Veterans

WHEN
June 25, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (CST)

WHERE
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
3000 Johnson Road SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35805

COST
Free

Federal contractors make a contractual promise to provide equal employment opportunity. Community, faith-based, and other organizations want to find jobs for their constituents. OFCCP wants to forge partnerships between job-seekers and federal contractors. Together, we can build a diverse workforce!

To R.S.V.P. contact Christopher Williams at
williams.christopher@dol.gov -or- (205) 731-0820
Should you require accommodation, please inform us when you R.S.V.P.