Supporting
Our Troops: Past and Present
As we watch the
latest Gulf War news hoping and praying that our fighting men and women
come back to us safely, we are reminded of all the men and women of
past wars who gave up their freedom so we might have ours. Many of our
living Veterans are now being cared for or are caregivers. We must not
forget the great price already paid by them. Those caring for WWII,
Korean and Viet Nam Veterans are proudly supporting our heroes.
There are many lessons
to be learned from experienced Veterans. Lessons that our newest Vets
will need to know. These lessons are not about war. They are about living
once war is over. Lessons on rebuilding dreams and living with the reality
of loss. Loss of friends and family, of physical or mental health, loss
of a job or a way of life. Most Veterans speak very little about their
war time experiences. Some use these experiences to achieve greatness
of a different kind. Other Vets continue to suffer the wounds of war.
As we continue to support our troops both young and old, we need to
be aware of available resources that will assist them in maintaining
their health and happiness. Just as we fight this newest war with the
most advanced technology, our best weapon against any enemy is knowledge
and resourcefulness.
If you are caring
for a Veteran or are a Veteran caregiver, you are entitled to many benefits.
Veterans that were wounded or served during war time are entitled to
both financial and medical help. To take advantage of the entitlements
that Vets have earned they must be able to show proof of wartime service.
Many times older Veterans fail to access benefits because they did not
safeguard their military paperwork. The biggest lesson a young Vet can
learn is to protect their rights to government benefits as fiercely
as they protect the freedom of their country.
For more information
on Veterans Benefits and Care please review the information offered
in this newsletter or call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
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Veterans Medical Transportation
The VA Medical and
Regional Office Center in White River Junction VT operates a VA/Disabled
Vet Volunteer transportation network. This network links veterans in
VT and NH to VA medical services to assist veterans with special needs.
Veterans eligible
for VA travel should contact the travel office at 1-802-295-9363 ext.
5739. Ineligible Veterans needing transportation may be helped by contacting
DAV travel at 1-802-295-9363 ext. 5394. Mon- Fri., 9 am - 4:30 pm.
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Vermont
Center for Independent Living
Vermont Center for
Independent Living (VCIL) understands the battle of everyday living.
They know first hand the struggles of needing a shoulder to lean on.
Most importantly they want to protect your freedom and independence
as much as you do. They have the experience and knowledge to help you
gain as much control over your everyday living activities as possible.
If it's a ramp, a handicapped bathroom, personal care or a voice activated
computer … they can help you find the assistance you need.
VCIL Peers are folks
that you can turn to for information about the latest available equipment
or a support group of people there to help you to live your life to
the greatest extent possible.
VCIL offers some financial assistance for those eligible, a low interest
loan program for people needing expensive equipment or home remodeling.
They also publish a newsletter including a page of recycled durable
medical equipment and have a very detailed web site: www.vcil.org/.
They offer information
on which statewide public buildings are handicapped accessible and have
a list of interpreters for the deaf. VCIL has a Brattleboro office
site at 167 Main St. 1-888-266-1573 or 1-802-254-6851. TTY is 1-802-254-8867.
VCIL's statewide office can be reached by calling: 1-800-639-1522
or Voice / TTY 1-802-229-0501.
More Programs
· Peer
Advocacy
· Meals on Wheels for people under 60
· Deaf Independence Program
· Home Access Program
· Information/Referral
· Benefits to Work Program
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Helpful
Resources
www.DisabilityInfo.gov
Newsline-www.nfb.org/newsline1.htm
A free online service for those who cannot read regular newsprint
ServiceNet www.ahs.state.vt.us/services
A searchable database VT services
National Veteran's
Administration Website: www.va.gov
Vermont Office
of Veterans Affairs www.va.state.vt.us
US. National Archives
& Records Administration www.archives.gov
Record Research
Center Northeastern Region
Waltham Mass
1-866-406-2379
Pittsfield Mass 1-413-236-3600
Local Veterans
Hospitals
White River
Junction
215 North Main St., WRJ, VT 05009
1-802-295-9363
Bennington Outpatient
Clinic
325 N. Street Bennington VT 05201
1-802-447-6913
Rutland Community
Based Outpatient Clinic
215 Stratton Road Rutland VT 05701
1-802-773-3386