Tuesday, September 27, 2011

VA Forms Download Page

Need a blank form from the VA?

Electronic copies can be obtained from the following VA web page:
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp

Vets Can Participate in the Brunswick Maryland Veterans Day Parade 2011

Brunswick, Maryland hosts the largest Veterans Day parade in the State of Maryland and this year's event is being held on November 6, 2011 on Potomac Street in downtown historic Brunswick.

There is usually a large and enthusiastic turnout to cheer the vets, and if you want to actually be a part of the parade, the city is still accepting applications between now and October 1.

You can get an application here: http://www.brunswickmd.gov/files/Recreation/VetsDayApp2011.pdf

Opening ceremonies begin at 1 PM.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Capital One is Hiring 3,600 People

Bloomberg News reports that national bank chain Capital One is now hiring 3,600 new personnel, from financial analysts to call center workers.
Even if you have to start as a teller or a call center employee, it is an opportunity to get into the banking and financial services industry and work your way up the organization. In a bad economy like this, any job is a good job, and by proving your worth to the organization you will likely receive promotions quickly.

Go to www.capitalone.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page, then click "Careers" to hunt for job openings near you. Remember to tell 'em you are a vet!

Friday, September 23, 2011

You are Not Alone in Struggling with PTSD--Get Help Online

I just found out about this online support group for veterans which allows you to be completely anonymous when you seek help and support:

www.notalone.com

Military spouses are welcome in this group, too, which is a nonprofit organization founded by a veteran named Mike Jones.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Now Has Webinars

If you recently departed the military for civilian life, you probably already know a lot about the
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) which is designed to help you find employment and adjust back comfortably to the civilian world.

The good news is TAP is now offering access to its resources through "virtual seminars" a.k.a. "webinars," which is particularly handy if you have physical mobility issues or live in a remote geographic area.

To see what online seminars are available for you, Federal News Radio recommends you use the following Defense Department link:
http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/files/2011/03/TAP-Virtual-Learning-Opportunities-Catalogue-Feb-2011-Edition.pdf

Web Resource for Vets With Traumatic Brain Injury or PTSD

http://www.realwarriors.net/

This website and the accompanying Real Warriors Campaign launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) provide veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, and psychological distress (and their family members) with access to support systems, advice, crisis hotlines, and other helpful resources.

Here is one of the crisis hotline numbers for you:

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) OUTREACH CENTER
866-966-1020

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Post-9/11 GI Bill Provides Stipend for Distance Learning Starting October 1

Beginning on October 1, 2011, the Post 9/11 GI Bill will offer a modest housing stipend for those students enrolled in reputable, VA-approved distance learning and online college courses. According to the VA, "The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011."

Keep track of changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill on this trusted federal government website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/Post911_changes.html

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Potential Job Source for Vets: RecruitMilitary.com

If you are looking for a civilian job, you will likely receive better job leads through a portal specifically targeted towards veterans like www.RecruitMilitary.com, a reputable site that has been around for a decade.

More generic job hunting sites like www.Monster.com or www.CareerBuilder.com might also generate some decent job leads for you, but they won't speak your language the way a specialty site like www.RecruitMilitary.com can.

Companies Hiring in Loudoun County Virginia September 2011

Vets, if you are looking for a civilian job, your best bet is to inquire at defense contractors.

If you happen to live in or near Loudoun County, Virginia, Virginia Business Magazine says the following defense contractors are expanding and hiring right now in September 2011:
  • Raytheon
  • Orbital Sciences
  • SAIC
  • Northrop Grumman
  • ManTech
  • Verizon
  • Intelligent Decisions Inc.
Contact the Human Resources Department at each company you are interested in, let them know you are a vet and available for hire now, and ask them to guide you through their application process.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Combat Paper Project Provides Artistic Outlet

I recently came across the Combat Paper Project, which says on its website that it "utilizes art making workshops to assist veterans in reconciling and sharing their personal experiences as well as broadening the traditional narrative surrounding service and the military culture."

If you are interested in paper and/or print making, expressing yourself through a new art form, or viewing artistic works produced by other veterans, check it out:

http://www.combatpaper.org/about.html

Meet up with Other Veterans for Support

If you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, sometimes you might want companionship or support from other people who have gone through similar military experiences rather than talking with your usual group of friends and family members.

A good way to find new peers to talk to--even if you are new to town--is through the website www.meetup.com

Example: We searched for any groups identified with the term "veteran" located in or near Leesburg, Virginia, and Meetup found 4 different groups within 25 miles of Leesburg that had a veteran family orientation.

You can also start your own group on Meetup to try to find people with similar backgrounds and interests if an existing group is not an exact fit for you.

Fort Meade Maryland Job Fair on 09.14.11

Fort Meade in the State of Maryland is having a job fair this month on September 14, 2011; view all details on this Baltimore Business Journal website:

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/pdf/Meade-job-fair.pdf

Frederick Maryland Veteran Employment Resource

If you are a veteran based out of Frederick County, Maryland and you need assistance locating a job or need other employment related services, start here at Frederick County Workforce Services:

http://www.frederickworks.com/

Schedule a face-to-face appointment with one of their analysts to explore all of the job hunting options available to you as a veteran county resident.

Read Me First, Please

I started this blog because I have a soft spot in my heart for veterans and I want to make it easier for veterans and their families to access and take advantage of available resources, deals, and benefits provided by the government as well as by private and commercial organizations to help compensate veterans for their service. A few things to know about this blog:

1. Posts on this blog are intentionally short and simple to save time, both for me as the blogger and for my busy readers.

2. When you read a post, please take note of the date it was first posted, as some information is likely to expire or become out of date over time.

If a link has expired, you can always Google the name of the organization or the website mentioned in the post to obtain the most recent link.

3. Because I live in the greater Washington, DC area, you will notice that most of the resources listed are clustered here, but I aim to list resources available in other geographic areas as well.

4. I don't make any money working on this blog and my time is limited, so unfortunately I cannot post or edit my posts every day, even though I would love to do so. I will try to post as often as possible and I'll do my best to make sure information is current, but I might not be able to keep up with all changes and I apologize in advance if I fall short.

5. If you have any resources or deals you feel should be mentioned in this blog, please email me your ideas at AnnaLiisa000 at Gmail dot com for possible use in the blog. Thanks!

And, as always, thanks to our service members and their families for the sacrifices they make for our nation.

Best Wishes,
Anna Liisa