A PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS …le.utah.gov/interim/2016/pdf/00002788.pdfNext, many of you may have heard about or participated in various events across the state

veterans.utah.gov • April 2016

A PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

Warriors

Over the

Wasatch

• Helpful Links pg. 3

• Upcoming Events pg. 3

• Other News pg. 10 & 11• FAQs pg. 14

• Directors Messsage pg. 2• Outreach Calendar pg. 17• In Honor of Memorial day pg. 12 & 13

• Regional News UDVMA pg. 8• The Utah Air Show pg. 9

• Vietnam Pinning Ceremonies pg. 6• VA Updates / Tools pg. 7

pg. 4–5Newsin the

WORLD WAR II/KOREAN WAR • VIETNAM WAR • COLD WAR/PEACETIME • GULF WAR/OIF/OEF • FAMILY

JUNE 25TH & 26TH | 8:00 AM @ HAFB

U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds

Utah ranks top five for Veterans unemployment rate pg.5

veterans.utah.gov • May 2016

Director’s Message.....

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Director’s Message...GARY R. HARTERExecutive Director, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

Wow! It really is amazing what can be accomplished by working together for a common purpose, which is kind of what we all learned while serving in the military...Let me give some examples, and end with a challenge.

As described in a later article, the veteran unemployment rate in Utah dropped to 2.6% this past month (fifth best in the nation), which is an amazing accomplishment, considering that just a few years ago the rate was over 7%. At that time, a coalition came together comprised of the business community, state agencies, transition assistance professionals and federal partners who said we can do it better in Utah by connecting veterans with companies who are looking to hire. Dropping over 4% is remarkable. There is more work to do, and we won't stop until all veterans who desire to work have jobs, but we are well on the way. The value of working together example one.

Next, many of you may have heard about or participated in various events across the state honoring Vietnam veter-ans which occurred in late March and early April. It was fantastic to see so many people there to say thank you and welcome home. Pins, books and DVDs were presented to Vietnam War time period veterans. The books and movie are tremendous. The sponsors of the books and DVDs are names that we all know well - Gardner, Sorenson, Miller, Questar, Merit Medical and the State of Utah. Ms. Sharlene Hawkes with Remember My Service was a force in getting it done and all of the production staffs for both efforts were terrific. Veterans organizations helped organize the events, especially Dennis Howland from VVA. Bottomline, once again it shows that by working together, we are able to honor those who served at a very difficult time in our history in a very meaningful way.

Coming up in May will be Utah's second annual Veteran Owned Business Summit (May 13th) which is an outcome of the Veteran Owned Business Partnership that began in October 2014. The partnership is a result of listening to vet-erans who want to own or start their own business and bringing resources together to help them succeed. The part-nership includes the SBA, SCORE, GOED, Salt Lake Chamber, Salt Lake County and others. The summit was such a success last year that the veteran attendees asked for it to be done again. An example of working together at federal, state, local, public and private levels, to respond to needs.

OK, now for the challenge...while there are great programs and amazing benefits that meet the needs of many veter-ans, we simply struggle at times to reach vets or when we do, they say they don't need it. I think sometimes pride gets in the way - they don't want to take it away from someone else who may need it more - or that it wasn't useful years ago, so why would today be any different. Sometimes that may be true, but the services are there to assist veterans who have served our great country. So, if you are a veteran and know another veteran who needs something, please get them connected and reach out to someone who can help. The same thing for family members - if you have a vet in your family, talk to them, ask them about their service, and encourage them to connect with someone who can deter-mine what they may be eligible for, whether it be education or employment or disability claims or health care or mental wellness or shelter or recognition or camaraderie. We are here to help, but we need your help.

Lastly, I hope to see many of you across the state at one event or another over the next several months. In May there is Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, and in June we have veteran service organization annual meetings and the Air Show at Hill Air Force Base and then right into Independence Day in July. Great time to be in Utah!

Thanks for allowing us to serve you.

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Director’s Message.....

3

Helpful Links

Outreach, Websites, Claims Assistance, Events, and Resources

COORDINATION OF VETERANS SERVICES veterans.utah.gov/coordination-of-veteran-services

CLAIMS ASSISTANCE CALENDARveterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar

CALENDAR OF EVENTS veterans.utah.gov/events-calendarRegister your information with the

Veterans Information System: uvisreg.utah.gov/vtsreg/public/Register

UTAH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS veterans.utah.gov

Director’s Message...

MAY

Friday – 13 May • 0830 - 1500Veterans Business Conference• SLCC Larry H Miller Campus, SandyRegister: http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895

Saturday – 14 May • 1000 - 1600American Legion Post 90's Chili Cook-Off• St. George Town Square

Saturday – 21 May • 1930 Armed Forces Day Concert• Gallivan Center Downtown SLC

Thursday – 26 May • 0700 - finishVeterans Memorial Golf Scramble• Hubbard Memorial Golf Course, HAFB

Thursday – 26 May • 1100 - 1500Hero2Hired Job Fair• Davis Conference Center, Layton UT

Friday – 27 May • 1900 - 2030Honoring Utah's Fallen• University of Utah Union Ballroom, Salt Lake, UT

Monday – 30 May • 1000 - 1100State of Utah Veterans & Military Affairs Memorial Ceremony• Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bluffdale UT

Monday – 30 May • 1000 - finishAmerican Legion Post 90's Memorial Day Service• St. George Cemetery

Monday – 30 May • 0900 - finishAmerican Legion Post 142 Memorial Day Service• Sun River Honor Park

JUNE

Saturday - 4 June 1200 - 1700Utah Fallen Warrior Rememberance • Ft Douglas Military Museum

Saturday - 11 June 0900VFW Convention• Airport Double Tree Hilton Hotel SLC, UT

Tuesday – 14 June • 0000 - 0030Flag Day, Freedom Festival Flag Retirement Ceremony• Macy's Parking Lot, Provo

16-18 JuneDisabled American Veterans Convention • Comfort Inn - Ogden, Utah

Saturday - 18 June 1200 - 1700Ft Douglas Day • Ft Douglas Military Museum

24, 25, & 26 June Legion Convention • Uinta Conference Cntr. Vernal, UT

Saturday - 25 June Car Show • Central Veterans Nursing Home, Payson

Saturday & Sunday – 25-26 June • 0800 - 1700Utah Air Show: Warriors Over the Wasatch• Hill Air Force Base, Utah

Monday - 27 June -- 2 JulyThe National Veterans Wheelchair Games • SLC, Utah http://wheelchargames.org

Upcoming Events — veterans.utah.gov/events-calendar

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HAFBBy Crystal Young 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/25/2016- HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The Hill AFB celebrated the graduation of the first group of Solar Ready Vets in a ceremony held March 25 at the landing. Program Manager Capt. Joshua Tate said the program certified 18 participants who have mostly indicated a desire to stay and work in the solar industry in the local area. Solar Ready Vets is the confluence of two government initiatives, the SunShot Initiative and the SkillsBridge Initiative, that seek to train and place service members transitioning to the civilian workforce into the solar energy industry.

Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Deputy Secretary of the U. S. Department of Energy thanked the graduates for their participation in the pilot program that will help determine how the Presidential goal of helping more than 700,000 veterans find jobs after leaving service will be met. In conjunction with the Department of Energy and solar partners in the community, the course was delivered by the Salt Lake Community College at Hill Air Force Base and included condensed online coursework on the solar industry and hands-on training designing, installing and troubleshooting solar circuits and panels.

The Salt Lake Community College program is among the first programs in the nation able to work with the DOD to allow servicemembers to use their GI benefits to pay for courses that lead to solar industry certification. Information gathered from the course participants will be used to evaluate the course and help optimize collaboration between partner organizations before the next course is underway.

Newsin the

First Graduating Class of Solar Ready Veterans

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By DWS Press

Newsin the

SALT LAKE CITY - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their annual report showing the unemployment rate for veterans. Utah's jobless rate for all veterans improved from 4.9 percent in 2014 to 2.6 percent in 2015. Only four other states had a lower rate than Utah.

"Utah benefits from a strong partnership between multiple agencies collaborating to comprehensively serve veterans," said Gary Harter, executive director of VMA. "We focus on supporting veterans, their family

members, and those currently serving in the military to ensure they know of all the benefits available for them because of their service to our country."

Veterans labor force statistics are generated from BLS's monthly Current Population Survey. Utah's Workforce Services works closely with the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (VMA) to ensure supportive services are available to all veterans in Utah. These services to veterans include specialized workshops, programs that help apply skills obtained through military training to private sector occupations (the ACE program), and proactive outreach to veterans currently receiving unemployment insurance.

"We are pleased to see the improved year-over veterans unemployment rate," said Jon Pierpont, executive director at the Department of Workforce Services. "We are committed to implementing strategies that help all veterans obtain employment."

For more information about BLS data, visit http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf.

To learn more about veteran employment services, visit http://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veteran.html. Additional information about benefits and other services for veterans, visit http://veterans.utah.gov/.

ranksTopfor

Veterans Unemployment rate

UTAH 5

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Pinning Ceremony

"Welcome Home!" These words echoed across Utah at ceremonies held to recognize and thank military veterans who served during the Vietnam War time period. Over 1,500 people participated in events held in Ogden, Layton, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Provo, Ce-dar City and St. George. At each event, those military veterans who were in uniform from 1955-1975 were presented with a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, the commemorative book "A Time to Honor" and a DVD of the feature documentary "The Jour-ney Home." Spouses of the veterans in attendance

also received a spouse commemorative pin. Other

events will be planned over the next 9 to 12 months.

Please visit our Website to find locations of events and other

pick-up locations : www. veterans.utah.gov/statewide-

ceremonies-honoring-vietnam-military-service-and-spouses/

VietnamCommemorations

Recap

We want to thank all of the many partners who have made the book, DVD and ceremonies possible.

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Veterans can now work directly with VA to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing. In step with MyVA’s efforts to modernize VA’s customer-focused, Veteran-centered services capabilities, a Com-munity Care Call Center has been set up for Veterans experiencing adverse credit reporting or debt collection resulting from inappropriately billed Choice Program claims. Veterans experiencing these problems can call 1-877-881-7618 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET for assistance. To read the full article Click Here.

VA announces Community Care Call Center to help Veterans with billing

Combat Veterans Get Telephonic Health Care Application Option

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it has amended its enrollment regulations to allow Veterans to complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. The change is effective immediately for Combat Veterans and will be effective July 5, 2016, for all Veterans. For more information, Veterans can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-8440.To read the full article Click Here.

G.I. Bill Comparison Tool

The G.I. Bill Comparison Tool provides key information about college affordability and value so beneficiaries can choose the best education program for their needs. https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool

Enter which typ of GI Bill you are using and the school you are interested in. Your estimated tuition and fees, housing allowance and book stipend will be generated.

WEAMS Public

A new feature at VA.GOV is the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS), a public site located at:http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

Search functions allow you to view college programs, non-college degrees, and OJT Apprenticeship programs to include approved flight programs in all states and territories.

VA Updates / Tools

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Regional News UDVMA

Northern Utah Region Report

The Northern Utah Service Area is made up of the Davis. Weber, Box Elder, Cache, Rich, Morgan and the western part of Summit Counties. The response to special events and appointments for claims has been impressive.

This Region has some very dynamic Veteran Organizations that have been helping with ensuring that Veterans and family member get the support and information that they need. Outreach efforts from the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) have increased the amount of time spent in the Region, and the number of places that Veterans and family members can get personalized one-on-one attention for claims and information. While it is not the desire to do one-on-one home visits for those who cannot go to scheduled areas, our Department has been assisted by the “Area Aging” representative to arrange home meetings and accompany UDVMA staff.

For futher information there is an Outreach Calendar and contact information per regional manager available on our Website (veterans.utah.gov)

Southern Utah Region Report

The SUU vet center welcomed Veterans Coordinator, Caleb Vadnais, and the reopening of the Southern Utah University Veterans Support and Resource Center (VRC) after remodel. This was all done by a grant given be-

tween the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and The Home Depot. While they didn’t gain more space, they gained efficiently. There is now a formal reception area with conference room, separate from the study lounge for privacy. The Veteran Resources and Support Center is in the Sharwan Smith Student Center.

Also, Dixie State University welcomed former DSU student Army Ranger Kris “Tanto” Paronto. The Co-Author of “13 Hours” and one of the principle figures of the September, 11 2012 attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, Lybia. Paronto entertained the crowd with a first hand perspective of the events and making of the Feature film. The Univer-sity Honored him with a display of his 1992 Football jersey and team picture. Furthermore, to support our Veterans at Dixie State University, the Veterans club and administration have successfully collaborated a new Veterans Memorial more central on campus. The memorial will anchor the new flagship trio style flagpoles (Rendering Trio Flag 1).

Central Utah Region Report

All partners are continuing to work hard for all the Veterans, Service Members and family members of all who have served. In the area The “Utah County Veterans Community Council” is held every 3rd Thursday of every month

at 11 am, Public is welcome (51 S. University Ave., Provo Utah 84604.)

Utah Valley University Veterans Center is open and running to assist those seeking their education. We also continue to coordinate with the “Veterans Owned Business Partnership” program as well as coordinating with “Hero2Hire´ Em-ployers and Support of the Guard and Reserve. One of our successes in the area has been with the “Veterans Treatment Court: As of March we have graduated 5 Veterans. This program is specific in helping Veterans in the Court system and connecting them with services to be successful.

For further info contact www.veterans.utah.gov

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Once again Northern Utah is preparing for the largest event in the State of Utah. Crowds of over 650,000 people, coming from more than 5 states surrounding Utah, will fill the flight line to experience the action. Kids of all ages

are excited and counting down the days because it’s almost here and it’s free, The Hill AFB Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show and Open House.

On June 25th and 26th the United States Air Force will once again host the 2016 Warriors Over the Wasatch Open House and Air Show. Taunted as one of the largest military shows in the nation, acts from all of the country and the world will be bringing their talents to the local air force base.

Such names as Kirby Chambliss who flies for Red Bull, Melissa Pemberton, top female pilot in the world, Buck Roet-man, Gary Rower, the Army Golden Knights, The Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Breitling Jet Team from France will perform just to name a few and will thrill and excite for 2 full days of flying and fun.

Static displays of planes from World War II through the newest F-35 will be on display for people to see and explore. In addition, you can learn even more but uploading the Air Show APP to your smart phone for free. The WOW app will guide you through traffic, parking availability, weather, lost and found, description of static air craft and give you the ability to watch the pilots as they fly their program right in front of your eyes.

This is the event of the year that no one should miss! Mark your calendar and prepare yourself for lots of fun, excite-ment, and great food at this year’s Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show and Open House.

Hill AFB Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show

The Utah Air Show

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In Other News

SGT Josh Hansen US Army (retired) and His Choice to Continue Mission

After two tours in Iraq with the US Army, losing six men in combat, and getting wounded in action in Fallujah, I fell into a major depression. The injuries I received during the war were a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress,

and chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. I isolated myself at home, sitting on the couch watching tv, and sunk deeper into depression. My family life was suffering because of it. I was overweight and very unhealthy. I felt like I didn't have a purpose in life and I was a burden on those around me. My physical, mental, and emotional challenges increased the more I sat around doing nothing physical. It was so easy to tell my wife "I can't do that, my injuries from the war hurt too much". The truth was depression was ruling my life and I would use any excuse to stay home and not be active. The less active I was the more my body hurt. After losing four military brothers to suicide, I knew I needed to make a change in my life. We were all leaders in the military, and even though we are no longer active military, I realized we are still leaders and can still make efforts to take charge and help other Veterans. This was my oportunity. At 45lbs overweight, considered obese in the VA system, and on cholesterol medications I made the choice to start my healing process by adjusting my nutrition, health, and well-ness. I started by walking around the block. When I started making better nutrition choices I had more energy and by exercising my sore muscles and joints began to feel better. I still live in chronic pain and depression, but I no longer let it control my life.

In August 2014 my wife, Melissa, and co-founder, Laura Cantin, and I started Continue Mission, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our goal is to help all era Veterans with service connected physical and mental trauma as they continue on their path to healing and enjoying life again. We provide events that give our Veterans an opportunity for getting out of the house and participating in nature, recreation, and camaraderie with their Brothers and Sisters in Arms. We call our registered Veterans the CM Family. Our events include cycling, mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, cross country ski-ing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, plus more. We consider family an important part of the healing process and hold family events for our Veteran’s spouses and kids. We also take an active role in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. To get involved please email us at [email protected]. Please visit our website at www.continuemission.org and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/continuemission.

By Sgt. Josh Hansen

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In Other News

Under the expert guidance of Representative Lynn Hemingway, HB 135 passed both houses of the Utah Legisla-ture and was signed by Governor Gary R. Herbert. HB 135, titled "State Parks Fee Exemption Amentdments",

instructs the Board of Parks and Recreation to create, by rule, a program that will provide free admission to all Utah's state parks for all Utah veteran's who have a 50% or greater service related disability.

The Board of Parks and Recreation is currently creating the program and is working on rules and policies that will instruct the Division of Parks and Recreation on how the pass will be distributed. It is anticipated that the Board will adopt those rules during its May meeting, and that the passes will be available for distribution by the first of July, 2016. More Information will be provided as it becomes available.

Utah State Park Passes

Don't Be A Victimbe aware of pension poaching scams

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pensions and disability payments exist to help wartime Veterans and their survivors. Individuals and organizations are available to help you file a VA pension and disability claim, including

appeals, free of charge. Local organizations that will help you free of charge include, but not limited to:

• American Legion • Disabled American Veterans• Military Order of the Purple Heart • Veterans of Foreign Wars• Utah Department of Veteran and Military Affairs

A searchable list of VA-accredited representatives in the State of Utah, including Veterans Service Organizations, agents, and attorneys, is available at the VA website: www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp, or from a link on our depart-ment website: veterans.utah.gov/va-benefits-claims-assistance. Per Utah Code (71-13), any individual or business offering to assist you in applying for benefits or on appeals must disclose in writing on UDVMA Form-1 the requirement for them to be accredited by the VA. Veteran Service Organizations are exempt from this disclosure requirement as all of their claims and pension assistance is offered free of charge.

BE AWAREBe cautious if someone offers to move your assets around for you to qualify for VA pension. This type of scam is most often directed towards Veterans and family members who do not actually qualify for VA pension. You could be required to repay these benefits to the government. Examples of possible pension poaching scams:

• Organizations that cold call, charging money for assisting with a VA pension claim, and take credit card information • People who charge as much as $6000 upfront to represent claimants before VA, with a percentage of any eventual back

payment from VA as a portion of the ultimate fee

If in doubt contact us and we will help you: 801-326-2372 or [email protected]

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Remembering,By Bob Welsh

They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.Henry Ward Beecher

On the 30th of May 1868, a crowd of 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the first Decoration Day exercises. Before strewing flowers upon the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate dead, the crowd listened

to an address by then-Gen. James A. Garfield (who would become the 20th President in 1881) which explained what Decoration Day was all about and why it should be commemorated. The following is only the briefest selection of what was a rather lengthy speech:

I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung…. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue…. I love to believe that no heroic sacrifice is ever lost; that the characters of men are molded and inspired by what their fathers have done; that treasured up in American souls are all the unconscious influences of the great deeds … from Agincourt to Bunker Hill…. The voices of these dead will forever fill the land like holy benedictions. What other spot so fitting for their last resting place as this under the shadow of the Capitol saved by their valor? Here, where the grim edge of battle joined; here, where all the hope and fear and agony of their country centered; here let them rest, asleep on the Nation’s heart, entombed in the Nation’s love!

In Honor of Memorial Day

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In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo N.Y. the birthplace of Memorial Day. The day is now observed in every state on the last Monday in May since Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971. Then, to ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000 Congress passed and the Presi-dent signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 1500 hours local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

Let us always remember and never forget, those who sacrificed the most for us to live free.

? ?FAQs

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?The Veterans Administration's 800 number is difficult to get through to. How do I contact someone with the Veterans Administration?The published number for the Veterans Administration is 1-800-827-1000. Contacting this number can be frustrating with long hold times, extensive phone tree options, and worst of all being disconnected after waiting. Calling between 05:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. increases the opportunity to speak to a live person. Another option is to call after 07:00 p.m. and schedule a telephone appointment with the VA. The times scheduled are based on East Coast time (09:00 a.m. Utah time is 11:00 a.m. East Coast time).

How can I receive full military retirement and VA disability compensation?Concurrent Receipt or Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is a benefit managed through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) that allows qualified military retirees to receive full military retirement and VA disability compensation. This law phases out the VA disability offset, thus military retirees with 20 or more years of service and a 50% (or higher) VA rated disability will no longer have their military retirement reduced by the amount of their VA disability compensation. This program is run by the Department of Defense; it is

not a VA program. If you are qualified for concurrent receipt, you should have automatically received and increase in your military retirement.Under these rules, you may be qualified for CRDP if…

• You are a regular retiree with a VA disability rating of 50% or greater.

• You are a reserve retiree with 20 qualifying years of service, who has a VA disability rating of

50% or greater and who has reached the age

of retirement. (In most cases the retirement age for reservists is 60, but certain reserve retirees

may be eligible before they turn

60. If you are a member of the Ready

Reserve, your retirement age can be reduced below age 60 by three months for

each 90 days of active service you have performed during a

fiscal year.) • You are retired under Temporary Early

Retirement Act (TERA) and have a VA disability rating of 50% or greater.

• You are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50% or greater.

For more information please contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at 1-800-321-1080.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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MILITARY BANKING

In the field you served with loyalty, honesty and commitment. You should expect the same from your bank. Zions Bank is proud to offer value-added military banking products and services. It’s our way of

saying Thank You for the amazing service you provided to our country.

For more information, visit any Zions Bank financial center; call Military Banking Customer Service at 888-673-3380; Military Lending at 800-510-4598; or visit zionsbank.com/military.

WE SERVE THE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED AMERICA

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To guarantee admission. Walk-ins welcome but space not

This “FREE” Hero2Hired Job Fair is for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers, Active Duty Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses. This event is “FREE” for

both employers and job seekers. Free parking is also available.

Selected Veterans Benefits Providers and Employment Specialists will also be available to answer questions and provide assistance.

Additionally a “Job Fair Preparation Workshop” will be conducted at the Utah National Guard Browning Armory, 625 E 5300 S, Ogden, UT on May 11, 2016.

Call (801) 432-4242 for workshop registration information.

This “FREE” Hero2Hired event is being conducted by the Utah Veterans and Military Employment Coalition, the Utah Committee for Employer Support of the

Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the Salt Lake, Davis, and Ogden-Weber Chambers of Commerce, the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment

and Training Service (DOL VETS) and many other local partners.

For event registration questions call (801) 432-4536 or (801) 432-4492

EMPLOYERS MUST REGISTER AT: www.jointservicessupport.org/Reg/83M816

JOB SEEKERS REGISTER TODAY ONLINE www.jointservicessupport.org/Reg/13H723

Hero2Hired Job FairDavis Conference Center

1651 N 700th WLayton, Utah

Thursday - May 26, 201611:00 am to 3:00 pm

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2nd Annual Veterans Business Conference, May 13, 2016Back by popular demand, we are proud to offer this conference to help veteran entrepreneurs and business owners with the resources they need to be successful in the marketplace. Please join us and learn about the keys to becoming a successful Veteran-Owned business, other local and national resources, and how to connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners. Be one of the first 200 people to register for this event and receive a free copy of Larry H. Miller – "Behind the Drive: 99 Inspiring Stories from the Life of an American Entrepreneur."

**For more info on the tentative agenda and schedule or if you are interested in attending/sponsoring the event please click on this link: http://business.slchamber.com/events/details/utah-veteran-business-conference-2016-5895

News You Can Use

Mark your calendars for the last week in June. If you are a Veteran interested in participating or a member of the community wanting to volunteer please visit:

http://wheelchairgames.org/Wheelchair games clinics and training are happening right now. For more information contact Recreation Therapist Heather Brown at 801-582-1565 ext. 1559.

National Veteran Wheelchair Games in SLCare Fast Approaching!By Jill Atwood, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center

We need volunteers and fans to fill the stands in support of these extraordinary Veteran Athletes — get involved today!

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Outreach Calendar

A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is scheduled to be at the location on the day and time indicated. Be advised that unforeseen events may cause the VSO to cancel a visit. Please verify this by calling the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) at 801-326-2372 or by visiting the UDVMA website: http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/.

Addresses per location are listed on pages 16 and 17...

May 2016Mon Tue Wed Thu

2 3 4 5

9 10 11 12

16 17 18 19

23 24 25 26

• Price 1000 - 1500 • Logan 0800 – 1000• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• Ogden WVH 1100 – 1600 (appt. required)• St. George 1200 – 1430

• Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400• HAFB 1430 – 1600

• Blanding 0930 – 1100 (appt. required)• Ivans Veterans Home

0900 – 1500 (appt. required)• Moab 1230 – 1430 (appt. required)

• Blanding 0930 – 1100• Roosevelt 1000 – 1430• Moab 1230 – 1430

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required)• Provo 0830 – 1430• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Ivins 0900 - 1500• Payson 0900- 1500

• Logan 0800 – 1000 • Provo Courthourse

0900 - 1500• Ogden WVH 1100 –

1600 (appt. required)• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Payson 0900- 1500

• Beaver 0900 – 1000• Ivans Veterans Home

0900 – 1500 (appt. required)• Panguitch 1130 – 1230• Kanab 1400 – 1500

• Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400• HAFB 1430 – 1600

• Fillmore 0900 - 1000• Price 1000 – 1500• Vet Center SLC 1015

– 1230 • Delta 1100 - 1200• Nephi 1330 - 1430

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required)• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Payson 0900- 1500

• Provo Vet Ctr. 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)• Richfield 0930 – 1030• Manti 1200 – 1330

• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Richfield 0930 – 1030• Manti 1200 – 1330

• Beaver 0900 - 1000• Panguitch 1130 - 1230• Kanab 1400 - 1500

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Outreach Calendar Continued...

ADDRESSES:• Beaver (875 North Main St.)• Blanding (544 North 100 East)• Cedar City (176 East 2nd North)• Clearfield (1290 East 1450 South)

• Delta (44 South 350 East)• Farmington (28 East State St.)• Fillmore (75 West Center St.)• Hill AFB (RAO, Building 430)• Kanab (468 East 300 South)

• Logan (180 North 100 West)• Manti (55 South Main St.)• Metro DWS (720 South 200 East)• Midvale (7292 South State St.)• Moab (457 Kane Creek Blvd.)

• Nephi (625 North Main St.)• Ogden DWS (480 27th Street)• Ogden Wahlen Veterans Home

(1102 North 1200 West)• Panguitch (665 North Main St.)

A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is scheduled to be at the location on the day and time indicated. Be advised that unforeseen events may cause the VSO to cancel a visit. Please verify this by calling the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) at 801-326-2372 or by visiting the UDVMA website: http://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/.

June 2016Mon Tue Wed Thu

1 2

6 7 8 9

13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30

• Fillmore 0900 – 1000• SL Vet Center 1015 – 1230• Price 1000 – 1500• Delta 1100 – 1200• Nephi 1330–1430

• Ivans Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. required)

• Blanding 0930 – 1100 (appt. required)

• Moab 1230 – 1430 (appt. required)

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required)

• Logan 0800 – 1000• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Payson 0900- 1500

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required) • Provo Vet Ctr. 0830 –

1000 • Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Ivins 0900 - 1500• Payson 0900- 1500

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required)

• Logan 0800 – 1000 • Cedar City 0900 – 1030• Provo Courthouse 0900

– 1500• St. George 1200 – 1430

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required)

• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430

• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. required) • Richfield 0930 – 1030• Manti 1200 – 1330

• Beaver 0900 – 1000• Panguitch 1130 –

1230• Kanab 1400 – 1500• Provo Vet Center

0830 - 1430

• Beaver 0900 – 1000• Ivans Veterans Home

0900 – 1500 (appt. required)

• Panguitch 1130 – 1230• Kanab 1400 – 1500

• Richfield 0930 – 1030• Manti 1200 – 1330

• Blanding 0930 – 1100 (appt. required)• Roosevelt 0900 – 1430 • Moab 1230 – 1430 (appt. required)

• Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400• HAFB 1430 – 1600

• Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home

0900 – 1500 (appt. required)

• Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400• HAFB 1430 – 1600

• Price 1000 – 1500

• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

Please Note the Following:Blanding and Moab require appointments: Call 1-800-894-9497. The George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home, the Central Utah Veterans Home – Payson, and the Southern

Utah Veterans Home – Ivins require appointments. Call:Wahlen: 801-326-2372Ivins: 435-634-5220Payson: 801-465-5400

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• Price (475 West Price River Dr.)• Provo DWS (1550 North 200 West)• Provo Courthouse (51 South

University Ave.)• Provo Vet Center (1807 N. 1120 W.)

• Richfield (115 East 100 South)• Roosevelt (140 West 425 South)• St. George (162 North 200 East)• VA Medical Center Salt Lake City

(500 Foothill Dr.)

• Vet Center Salt Lake City (22 West Fireclay Ave.)

July 2016Mon Tue Wed Thu

4 5 6 7

11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21

25 26 27 28

• Price 1000 - 1500 • Logan 0800 – 1000• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• Ogden WVH 1100 – 1600 (appt. required)• St. George 1200 – 1430

• Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400• HAFB 1430 – 1600

• Blanding 0930 – 1100 (appt. required)• Ivans Veterans Home

0900 – 1500 (appt. required)• Moab 1230 – 1430 (appt. required)

• Blanding 0930 – 1100• Roosevelt 1000 – 1430• Moab 1230 – 1430

• Ogden WVH 0800 – 1600 (appt. required)• Ivans 0900 – 1500• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Provo Courthouse 0900

- 1500• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

• Logan 0800 – 1000 • Ogden WVH 1100 – 1600 (appt. required)• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)

• Beaver 0900 – 1000• Ivans Veterans Home

0900 – 1500 (appt. required)• Panguitch 1130 – 1230• Kanab 1400 – 1500

• Ogden DWS 0800 – 1100• Provo DWS 0830 – 1430• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Farmington 1130 – 1230• Clearfield 1300 – 1400• HAFB 1430 – 1600

• Fillmore 0900 - 1000• Price 1000 - 1500• Vet Center SLC 1015 –

1230 • Delta 1100 - 1200• Nephi 1330 - 1430

• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.) • Richfield 0930 – 1030• Manti 1200 – 1330

• Cedar City 0900 – 1030• St. George 1200 – 1430

• Payson Veterans Home 0900 – 1500 (appt. req.)• Richfield 0930 – 1030• Manti 1200 – 1330

• Provo Vet Ctr. 0830 – 1430• Beaver 0900 – 1000• Panguitch 1130 – 1230• Kanab 1400 – 1500

WORLD WAR II/KOREAN WAR • VIETNAM WAR • COLD WAR/PEACETIME • GULF WAR/OIF/OEF • FAMILY

veterans.utah.gov

A PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS

the Utah

VeteransVoice550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105 • Salt Lake City, UT 84113

(801) 326-2372

Cory Pearson, Editor • [email protected]

Nina J Alvarez, Designer • [email protected]

Presorted Standard US Postage

PAID SLC, UT

Permit # 4621

CONTACT INFORMATION

Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105Salt Lake City, Utah 84113(801) 326-2372http://veterans.utah.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsRegional Benefits Office550 Foothill Drive, Suite 200Salt Lake City, Utah 841131 (800) 827-1000

VA Salt Lake City Health Care SystemGeorge E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center500 Foothill DriveSalt Lake City, Utah 84113(801) 582-1565http://www.saltlakecity.va.gov

American Legion Service Office550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105Salt Lake City, Utah 84113(801) 326-2380

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105Salt Lake City, Utah 84113(801) 326-2375

Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105Salt Lake City, Utah 84113(801) 326-2471

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105Salt Lake City, Utah 84113(801) 326-2385

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve12953 South Minuteman DriveDraper, Utah 84020(801) 432-4536

Utah National GuardBart Davis, Transition Assistance12953 South Minuteman DriveDraper, Utah 84020(801) 432-4937

U.S. Department of LaborVeterans Employment and Training Service140 East 200 South, Suite 209Salt Lake City, Utah 84111(801) 524-5703