veterans of foreign wars -...
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VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS BLAZING STAR POST #157417 CANNON AVENUE
STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314Website. http://blazingstarvfwpost1574.org/wp
March 2016
BLAZING STAR POST 1574 CONTACT NUMBERSAl Porto, Commander - 718-578-1242, [email protected]
Paul Dietrich, Quartermaster - 718-698-5269, [email protected] Alcock, Adjutant - 718-698-1923
Calendar Events
Calendar of Events for 2016:
Date Event Location Time Remarks2 March Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 130029 March KWVA Pasta Party Nucci's South 1200 KWVA members6 April Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 13007 May Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 100014 May Poppy Distribution Shop-Rite 0900-1500 Volunteers Needed27 May Poppy Distribution SI Ferry 0700-100027 May Poppy Distribution Refinery 1100-130028 May Poppy Distribution Stop and Shop 0900-150029 May Poppy Distribution Stop and Shop 0900-150030 May Memorial Day Ceremonies Travis and Oceanview TBA To Be Announced4 June Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 10009 July Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 10006 August Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 10007 September Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 13005 October Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 13002 November Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 13007 December Blazing Star Post Meeting Gold Star Post 1300
Membership
March 2016 Newsletter1. Consider Life Membership. You save money over the long run and eliminate the need to renew yearly. Below are the membership rates for Life membership and Installment Plan Life Membership. Age attained Payment in Full Installment Plan Option on Dec. 31st Total: Initial Fee: 11 payments of: Through Age 30 $425.00 $45.00 $38.64 31-40 $410.00 $45.00 $37.27 41-50 $375.00 $45.00 $34.09 51-60 $335.00 $45.00 $30.45 61-70 $290.00 $45.00 $26.36
71-80 $225.00 $45.00 $20.45 81 and over $170.00 $45.00 $15.45
2. Dues Renewal Reminder:
Cassar, Joseph S Current Until 5/20/2016Eans, Ernest Current Until 5/5/2016Leunes, Peter Current Until 6/17/2016Pizzini, Denny Current Until 5/7/2016Robinson, James A Current Until 4/8/2016 67
4. Congratulations to Blazing Star member Ann Treadaway who gave birth to twin boys on 21 January Samuel Leroy and Ennis David!
Service Officer
1. Veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA health care so they are on record should they ever need it. No cost to apply. Apply on line at www.va.gov/healtheligibility/vfw or call 1-877-222-8387.
2. Tri-Care Dental. Tri-Care dental isn't free. You must enroll to be covered. Tri-Care dental web site, www.trdp.org Delta Dental Tel #. 888-838-8737. The Tri-Care number for NY, is 1-877-874-2273.
3. DD Form 214 website. http://vetrecs.archives.gov. If you need assistance, contact the post service officer, Paul Dietrich.
4. Survivor Outreach Services. The website has a lot of information for those left behind when a service member or veteran passes. http://www.sos.army.mil/ or http://www.westpointmwr.com/acs/survivor_outreach_services.html
5. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to make filing claims and appeals as fast and easy as possible. Beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2015, claims and appeals must be filed using the appropriate form. Standardizing forms will ease frustration among claimants, make claims processing more efficient and help VA reach more accurate decisions.There are three major actions that will require a specific form or standardized process: Intent to File, claims applications, and Notice of Disagreement. When filing a formal claim, the following forms should be completed and submitted to VA either electronically via eBenefits (ebenefits.va.gov) or the Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (sep.va.gov), or by mailing the completed paper form to VA: a.. For disability benefits, applicants must now use VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. b.. To apply for needs-based pension, use VA Form 21-527EZ, Application for Pension. To file a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), survivor's pension, and accrued benefits, claimants should complete VA Form 21-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits . Applicants who are not ready to file a claim for disability, but wish to preserve a date of claim while gathering evidence and completing the necessary application form should use one of the following three methods to communicate an intent to file a claim to VA: a.. 1) electronically via eBenefits (ebenefits.va.gov) or the Stakeholder Enterprise Portal (sep.va.gov), b.. 2) mailing VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC, or c.. 3) over the phone with a VA call center representative.
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March 2016 Newsletter Finally, Veterans filing a Notice of Disagreement with a compensation decision should use VA Form 21-0958, Notice of Disagreement. Veterans and their representatives currently use the form on an optional basis. However, beginning March 24, 2015, Veterans must use this form when VA provides the form with a decision notice letter. Veterans and survivors will not be required to use a standardized notice of disagreement form for other types of claims (i.e., pension or survivors benefits) at this time. If you are unable to download these forms from va.gov/vaforms/, call800-827-1000 to have the correct form sent to your home. Requiring standard forms will help VA more quickly identify what the applicant is claiming and gather the evidence required to process the claim or appeal. Standardized forms are a key component of VA's transformation, which will help achieve the Department's goal to eliminate the backlog in 2015. Contact data for VSO on website. Do not file with VSO review.
6. All paid up members of Post 1574 were enrolled in Group Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance paid for by the post. Coverage is for $1000 and is with the Lockton Affinity LLC, PO box 87-9610 of Kansas City MO 64187-9610. Please keep information on this policy with your family important documents for your relatives and heirs.
7. To someone going through a difficult time, one simple act has the power to make a difference. Reach out to veterans and service members in your life today – let them know they’re not alone. Find out how you can make a difference http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ThePowerof1.aspx.
8. VA officially drops Net Worth as an eligibility factor effective 21 Dec 2015. The VA will now only consider the veterans gross household income and deductible expenses from the previous year. This should add some additional veterans to the eligible pool of veterans and reduce the co-payment required.
9. NY State Creates Mobile App for Veterans to Access Services. There's a new mobile app designed to help New York's veterans access state and federal services. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of the application Thursday. It's compatible with Apple and Android products and has help for veterans looking for information on health care, jobs and benefits. The program also locates the closest state veterans' affairs office. Cuomo says the app is an example of how technology can be used to improve the delivery of state services and programs. The program was developed by the state's Division of Veterans' Affairs.
Employment and Education
1. Looking for a job? Need quality employees? USE VETJOBS! www.vetjobs.com
2. Vets looking for jobs, the website: 100000jobsmission.com. Go there to apply and search for available jobs specifically held for veterans.
3. New initiative called the We can't wait program plan helps ex GIs get civilian credentials/licenses for skills learned in the military. For info: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/veterans_report_5-31-2012.pdf
4. Veterans Head Back to Boot Camp to Learn Business Skills. Boots to Business: Reboot is a two-day entrepreneurship workshop presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) available to transitioning service members as a part of the Defense Department’s Transition Assistance Program. Learn more about the program http://www.military1.com/veterans/article/538543-veterans-head-back-to-boot-camp-to-learn-business-skills.
5. Job info. Seeking Video grapher / Editor. Experience required. Working knowledge of Panasonic AG-HMC 150 Camera. Proficient in use of Final Cut Pro editing. Must have a vehicle. Forward contact info and resume to [email protected].
6. I look forward to working with you and finding jobs for Veterans!!!! Peter Romano (USMC), Veterans Specialist, Staten Island Workforce1 Career Center, 120 Stuyvesant Place, 3rd Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301, T: 718 – 285 - 8431, F: 718 – 981 - 8367, E: [email protected] W: nyc.gov/workforce1
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March 2016 NewsletterProject Manager with experience in running renovation jobs.Applicants must have the following: 10 years’ experience running jobs over 500k
a) 5 years hands on experience in the fieldb) 5 years with 1 companyc) Strong computer skills/ spreadsheetsd) Can manage budgets/ labor and materialse) Can handle large renovation jobs start to finish f) Must be able to work weekends/off hoursg) Must have good coordination skills/ good communicator
Sales ExecutiveThe core of the opportunity of this position is to secure contracts with facilities departments with Retailers -Warehouses- Distribution Centers - Big Boxes- Commercial buildings.The opportunity:
Introduce and sell our services to current and future customers through prospecting, cold calling and account maintenance.
Network with facilities managers and decision makers. Encourage new prospects to try our services and upsell. Monitor the market and your competitors' services and pricing. Represent the company at professional groups and meetings. Work a mix of on the road and in office to create a balance of opportunities. Seek new opportunities based on business needs Experience in growing business-the right business. Computer skills needed- Outlook- PPT- Excel- Word.
Here is what you bring: 5+ years in a structured outside/inside / field sales role, and a consistent track-record of meeting / exceeding
quotas. The ability to travel up to 50% to cover the region. Ability to stay calm in stress-full situations. You’ll have to maintain a valid, clean driver’s license. It helps if you have experience around construction methods and materials. Strong communication skills, especially when it comes to listening. A head for numbers, and the ability to make sound decisions quickly in a fast-paced setting. Strong presentation, strategic thinking, negotiation and closing skills. You’re relentlessly driven to seek new business. You’re competitive, but you never sacrifice integrity to win business. A natural ability at building authentic customer relationships. A strong work ethic without sacrificing your sense of humor or ability to have fun on the job. Excellent written and verbal skills will be needed.
Must live in the 5 boroughs or NJ.Office is located in Staten Island NY.
Full Time Mechanic Must have minimum of 5 years’ experience and clean driver’s license
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March 2016 NewsletterPosition performs scheduled preventative maintenance and necessary repairs to automobiles, trucks (light and heavy), vans and equipment. Working Foreman Busy Staten Island Company looking to hire a Full Time Experienced Working Foreman. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record working on all types of construction sectors and with all types of building materials. The daily duties of this position will include but not limited to the following:
Responsible for day to day health and safety on site
Responsible for quality control including developing and monitoring quality plans for each job site
Communicate with dispatch team/technicians on a daily basis
Daily/weekly planning and monitoring
Material requisition to meet job requirements
Sub-contract and direct labor control and management
Monitor information and required schedules to ensure we are maintaining budget
Initiate and maintain site records in accordance with company process and procedure
Overseeing all work
Supervising technicians on site
Complete jobs in a timely manner and maintain in budget
Must have 10 years field experience
Must have 5 years with 1 company
Must have hands on experience in carpentry, plumbing, light electrical.Full Time Mechanic Helper Mechanic helper is to assist with basic repairs and maintenance of trucks and heavy equipment.
7. Commercial Driver shortage nationwide. What can you do with your military experience and the transportation industry? There is an industry shortage of commercial drivers across the country. There are companies that are hiring. Our company is interested in experienced drivers. We have a National Guard, Reserve and Veteran hiring program. Those motor transport operators currently serving or recently transitioning can obtain their CDL A through the Military CDL Act of 2012. It allows those drivers, fuel and heavy equipment drivers to obtain their CDL A through the state DMV. All 50 states have approved this if you meet the criteria. You can download the Skills Test Waiver Application on your state DMV site. Once you pass the written test they will waive the road test for you and issue your CDL A. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/application-military-skills-test-waiver Don’t pay for a CDL with your GI Bill, if you qualify through this act. If you keep a copy of the signed form after your commander signs it, our company will review it and use it for your experience to join our team. You will still need to have your tanker and hazmat endorsements through the DMV. There are transportation companies that want to hire you. If transportation and truck driving is where you want your next career, we are for you. We have over 100 terminals nationwide and may have a terminal that is right for you. Prepare for your next career before you transition out and start right away. If you are National Guard or Reserves and need a fulltime job our company can accommodate your needs and ours. You can take a look at our program at www.TroopToTankers.com for immediate considerations apply and Select Troops To Tankers as the terminal and our Military-Veteran recruiter will contact you. You can also have us contact you to answer any questions by clicking the contact button. You can also watch a short video on our program at www.troopstotankers-mike.com If you know a former military, veteran or serving service member that needs fulltime employment, career change or new career share this message with them.
8. MTA Bridges & Tunnels have several opportunities for experienced Engineering and Construction professionals. They include:
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March 2016 NewsletterSupervising Engineer – Electrical to provide oversight of the electrical engineering work performed by consultants is properly designed in accordance with Code and recommended technical standards. Ensures that the final design documents are correct, accurate, clear and of the highest quality to allow for proper bidding and construction. Principal Engineer – Electrical to provide engineering project leadership to a staff of in-house technical professionals, utilizing in-house and consultant resources in designing and upgrading the Authority’s facilities, ensuring public safety and efficient allocation of the Authority’s engineering and construction resources.Principal Engineer – Mechanical - to provide engineering project leadership to a staff of in-house technical professionals, utilizing in-house and consultant resources in designing and upgrading the Authority’s facilities, ensuring public safety and efficient allocation of the Authority’s engineering and construction resources.Principal Engineer – Inspection – to oversee the engineering work performed by consultants in the performance of routine, emergency and biennial bridges and tunnels inspections in order to ensure the continued structural integrity of the Authority’s infrastructure and the protection of the public’s safety.To apply, please go to the MTA Employment Portal at: http://web.mta.info/mta/employment/.
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10. The people at the Budweiser factory in Newark NJ are looking for Temporary Summer help. The base pay rate is $15 per hour and it will be full time from May 1st thru September 30, the training could start sometime in April. There is a possibility of overtime which is paid out at time and a half and Sunday is double time. You will be performing general duties within the factory. The interested candidates will need to have a flexible schedule as there could be 2nd or 3rd shifts that would need to be worked. There will be a background and drug test done prior to employment. Please click on the link below and fill out the application, once you have completed it please let me know and I will send your name to my contact at the Budweiser factory.https://abinbev.taleo.net/careersection/30/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=16000263
General
1. Staten Island University Hospital's Military Appreciation Program. This program entitles active duty members and veterans free parking 12 times per year at the SIUH parking lot. Call 718-226-4325 for an application.
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March 2016 Newsletter
2. The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to the following personnel. Returned home are:*Army Cpl. Dudley L. Evans, 24, Co G, 2nd Bn, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division who died in captivity after being taken prisoner in South Korea on Feb. 15, 1951. *Army Cpl. Eldon W. Ervin, 22, Headquarters Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division and was lost fighting in North Korea on Nov. 28, 1950.
3. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is seeking the public’s help to find and encourage more MIA families to donate a DNA sample to help speed the identification process of recovered remains. Currently, 89 percent of the Korean War’s 7,800 MIAs have a family reference sample on file, 84 percent for the Cold War’s 126 MIAs, and 81 percent of the Vietnam War’s 1,600 missing. But for World War II, it’s a dismal 4 percent of the 73,500 who are still missing. Each military service and the State Department has a service casualty office that can explain how to donate. Army: 800-892-2490 Navy: 800-443-9298 State Department: 202-485-6106Marine Corps: 800-847-1597 Air Force: 800-531-5501
4. Free parking for veterans at Richmond County Medical Center. Veterans can park for free in the visitors parking lot where tokens are required. Stop at the main reception desk or security post, show proof you are a veteran (drivers license with vet on it, retired ID card, VA card or similar) and they will give you a free token for the parking lot. Get it on the way in as the reception/info desk is not manned all night. Use the token to exit the lot. Saves you $4 per visit.
5. Women of Achievement. Diane Hesterhagen, principal of St. Adalberts, is in the running for the Staten Island Advance's Women of Achievement Award. Support her as she has supported veterans by voting for her online at [email protected].
6. VFW essay contest themes for 2016-2017 are as follows:Voice of Democracy - “MY RESPONSIBILITY TO AMERICA” Patriot’s Pen - “THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN” The student entry deadline for 2016-2017 will be November 1, 2016 for both contests.
7. Freshkills Park is looking for summer interns! This opportunity is ideal for students looking to gain experience
in Education, Park Planning, Environmental Monitoring, Development, or Visual Design. Freshkills Park Alliance
The Arsenal 830 5th Avenue NY, NY 10065
8. Veterans should be aware that Assemblyman Cusick has instituted a discount program with more than 200 local
businesses to give veterans a discount. Simply stop at Assemblyman Cusick’s office at 1911 Richmond Ave, SINY 10314
with a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) to prove eligibility and you will receive a discount card and list of local
businesses.
9. Veterans Equality Bill Update.
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March 2016 Newsletter
Lalor: Cuomo Promised Veterans He Would Include Veterans Equality Act in the Budget, He Needs To Do ItEast Fishkill, NY - (2/16/16) - New York State Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor (R,C,I - East Fishkill) has written to Governor Cuomo demanding that the governor follow through on his promise to veterans and include the Veterans Equality Act in this year's budget. After vetoing the Veterans Equality Act twice, last Veterans Day the governor promised veterans that it would be included in his new budget. But, it was not in the budget he presented to the legislature last month and it has not been added to the budget yet."In less than three months, Governor Cuomo broke his promise to New Yorks veterans," said Lalor. "His repeated vetoes of the bill have been a great disservice to our veterans. This broken �promise is worse." Lalor added, "The bill would have benefited those who served in the post-draft era of the all-volunteer military. They volunteered to serve on ships and in garrisons at home and abroad keeping the Soviet war machine in check, then maintained the peace after we won the Cold War. The bill would have also encouraged the next generation to serve by reminding them that their state values and rewards service in defense of our nation. Right now, Iraq veterans are eligible to buyback up to three years of pension service credit for their time in the military, but Afghanistan veterans arent �eligible. That makes no sense. It makes no sense that Cold War veterans arent eligible. It needs to be fixed."�Lalor finished, "Governor Cuomo, you promised veterans that you would fix this. Now you have to. The Veterans Equality Act has to be included in the final budget. That's the right thing to do for our veterans."
Items of Interest
The $4.3 billion war ship: Largest 'stealth' destroyer ever built for the Navy heads out to sea on its maiden voyage for final rounds of testing. The largest destroyer ever built for the U.S. Navy headed out to sea for the first time, departing from shipbuilder Bath Iron Works in Maine and carefully navigating the winding Kennebec River before reaching the open ocean where the ship will undergo sea trials. More than 200 shipbuilders, sailors and residents gathered to watch as the futuristic 600-foot, 15,000-ton USS Zumwalt glided past Fort Popham, accompanied by tugboats. Kelley Campana, a Bath Iron Works employee, said she had goose bumps and tears in her eyes. 'This is pretty exciting. It's a great day to be a shipbuilder and to be an American,' she said. 'It's the first in its class. There's never been anything like it. It looks like the future.'
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March 2016 Newsletter
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