Newsletter – November 2012
Dear Veteran and Family Members: This Veterans Affairs Newsletter is being sent to you from the Delaware County Department of Veterans Affairs to keep you informed about the latest news regarding veterans benefits and services. We hope you find this useful. Feel free to contact our office directly for further information.
Sincerely – County Council Vice-Chairman Mario J. Civera, Jr. and Veterans Liaison Ralph W. Galati
TOPICS OF INTEREST
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Veterans ID Card Program
– Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Upcoming Events
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Job Fairs
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Supporting our Returning Combat Veterans (Vet Centers)
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VA Survivors and Dependents Assistance
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PA Veterans Foundation
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VA Geriatric and Extended Care Services
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PA State Veterans Homes
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Travel Training for Seniors and Disabled Veterans
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Delaware County Veterans Affairs Website
Veterans ID Card Program
Delaware County Council, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, will launch the Veterans ID Card Program starting November 21, 2012.
This new initiative will provide a unique photo identification card, at no charge, for all eligible, honorably discharged county veterans. Additionally, it will enable veterans to register their DD-214 (or equivalent military discharge document) with the County Recorder of Deeds.
Local businesses are being notified, and are being asked to participate in the program by offering their products and services at a discount to veterans who present the new ID Card.
Additional details will be forthcoming.
Upcoming Events
Veterans Day Parade
The annual parade will take place on Monday, November 12, 2012 starting at 11am in downtown Media, PA.
Traveling Vietnam Wall
The Coatesville VA Medical Center will host the Vietnam Traveling Wall, also known as The Wall that Heals, from November 7 through 11, Veteran’s Day. It will be open 24 hours every day, and will be located at Coatesville VA Medical Center, 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville on the athletic field. The entire community – Veterans, employees, volunteers, community members, elected officials – are invited and encouraged to visit.
http://www.coatesville.va.gov/Announcements/Announcements.asp
Job Fair
“Hiring Our Heroes†Recruit Military Veteran Opportunity Expo
Thursday – November 1, 2012 – 11am to 3pm at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
You can register at the following website:
https://events.recruitmilitary.com/events/philadelphia-opportunity-expo-november-1-2012
Supporting our Returning Combat Veterans (Vet Centers)
If you have served in any combat zone, Vet Centers are available to help you and your family with readjustment counseling and outreach services.
Please visit the following website for additional information and available services:
VA Survivors and Dependents Assistance
The Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to Survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Services.
The Office of Survivors Assistance was established to serve as a resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the Department to Survivors and Dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. OSA also serves as a principal advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and promotes the use of VA benefits, programs and services to survivors.
Please see the following website for additional details on program services:
http://www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/index.asp
PA Veterans Foundation
Working in association with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation serves to generate financial resources for statewide veterans’ assistance services and programs. Specifically, the PVF strives to facilitate communication and cooperation between the DMVA, veterans’ organizations, and the veterans themselves by generating resources for such purposes as veteran outreach, claims assistance, and transportation to a medical center. Acting as the centerpiece of the coalition between the state government and other independent, non-profit veterans’ organizations, the PVF is integral in giving back to those who served.
Please see the following website to link to the organization’s homepage:
http://www.paveteransfoundation.org/
VA Geriatric and Extended Care Services
Geriatrics and Extended Care provides services for Veterans who may be chronically ill, disabled, elderly, or unable to live alone. Geriatrics is health care for elderly Veterans with complex needs. Extended care – also known as long term care – is programs for Veterans of all ages who need daily support and assistance.
Veterans can receive geriatric and long term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community. Veterans, their informal caregiver (family or friend), their social worker, and their care team can work together to make the best long term care choices by using Shared Decision Making.
Programs include: Home Health Care, Nursing Home Care, Domiciliary Care, Adult Day Health Care, Geriatric Evaluation and Respite Care.
For further information on VA Geriatric and Extended Care, see the following website:
http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/
PA State Veterans Homes
There are six Veterans Homes in Pennsylvania -Â offering its veterans extended care facilities throughout the state. The level of care provided includes personal care, skilled nursing care, domiciliary care, and dementia care. These facilities offer qualified veterans and their spouses dedicated, superior care.
For further information on PA State Veterans Homes, see the following website:
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_veterans_home_system/11925
Travel Training for Senior and Disabled Veterans
DCTMA Senior Mobility Manager Program For Delaware County Seniors
Delaware County Transportation Management Association (DCTMA) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the transportation network serving Delaware County. The DCTMA is committed to being an advocate for the transportation needs of consumers, businesses and communities throughout the county. Our partnerships with PENNDOT, SEPTA, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and other local organizations ensure that our members’ concerns will be heard and addressed.
Delaware County is home to many disabled veterans. Some disabled feel that if they cannot drive there are no other options and fear losing their independence. That is why the DCTMA feels it is important to help these veterans learn about their transportation options and teach them that SEPTA is an alternative for them.
There are a number of ways the DCTMA can service these veterans in the county some of them are:
The DCTMA offers a “Bus Buddy†program for groups.  Any disabled veteran, who is anxious about using SEPTA because they have never used the system or have not used it in years, can take advantage of this program. The DCTMA would give group lessons in riding the trains, buses and/or trolleys. A DCMTA leader would travel with the group from a comfortable location to a destination of the group’s choice, within the county. At the end of the ride refreshments will be served and prizes will be given out to make their experience enjoyable.
Right now many transportation issues revolving around the disabled are being discussed by planners and transportation providers. Because of this the DCTMA also works with county municipalities to make areas more pedestrian friendly for everyone, and especially the disabled, including benches for resting and longer lights for crossing large, busy streets. To help promote these options, the DCTMA will conducts a walk-ability survey with municipalities to determine what changes need to be made to make walking safer.
For more information for yourself or your organization, please contact the Delaware County Transportation Management Association at 610-892-9440.
Delaware County Veterans Affairs Website
Please visit our website for detailed information and useful links for County, State and Federal programs, benefits and services. http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/vet_affairs/news.html
Previous editions of our Newsletter can be viewed at:
http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/vet_affairs/news.html
Feel free to contact me with any questions. I encourage you to forward this newsletter to your family and friends.
If you need help with benefits or claims; require guidance or counseling; would like a consultation regarding veterans services – please contact our office directly.
Ralph W. Galati
Veterans Liaison
Delaware County Office of Veterans Affairs
201 W. Front St – G3
Media, PA 19063
GalatiR@co.delaware.pa.us
610-891-4539/4646