Jim Alton column June 2012
Trip to Grand Rapids planned for veterans
As of this column, I have set the date for a trip to the Grand Rapids area for a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game and the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo for Sept. 2-3.
WWII veterans have first choice at attending, then Korea, Vietnam, etc. We will go by commercial bus (paid for by this office, thanks to citizen donations) to Grand Rapids, attend the game, stay overnight in GR then head on to Kalamazoo to the Air Zoo Museum. The cost has not been formulated yet, but it should be an inexpensive trip and lots of fun. Please contact my office if you have interest in this trip or for more information. (Sorry, this is for Emmet County veterans only.)
More information will be publicized in the near future.
Agent Orange in Okinawa
According to Veterans Services, employees in the U.S. conducted top-secret tests of Agent Orange in Okinawa, Japan, in 1962. A Freedom of Information Act memo showed it involved the U.S. Army’s 267th Chemical Service Platoon, formerly stationed in Alaska, which was sent to Okinawa. If you or someone you know were in Okinawa at that time, contact this office for more information.
Answer to questions about funeral benefits
What is a veteran entitled to upon his passing? The Veterans Administration is required by law to furnish:
1. A 5X9 foot burial flag, furnished through a funeral home;
2. An Honor Guard of at least two active military personnel (one from his branch of service);
3. A headstone or bronze niche;
4. A burial benefit of between $700-2,200, depending upon his status of retirement (war time, etc.).
Emmet County also has a burial benefit for war-time veterans, of $300, for those who qualify under certain financial criteria. Please note that due to the distance of active military, this office makes sure that veterans get “last rites,” with the assistance of our local veterans. Call the Emmet County Veterans Affairs Department for more information; or apply online at www.va.gov-forms; select form 21-530. You should attach a copy of a vet’s discharge (DD 214)
VA claims continue to rise
America's newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at an historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen. A staggering 45 percent of the 1.6 million veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now seeking compensation for injuries they say are service-related. That is more than double the estimate of 21 percent who filed such claims after the Gulf War in the early 1990s, government officials told the Associated Press. What's more, these new veterans are claiming eight to nine ailments on average, and the most recent ones over the last year are claiming 11 to 14. By comparison, Vietnam veterans are currently receiving compensation for fewer than four, on average, and those from World War II and Korea, just two.
Hire a veteran!
Companies that hire veterans are in some cases able to get a tax credit. However, we just think it’s a very good policyto hire a veteran -- period !
Charities and donations reminder
I would once again like to remind the citizens of our area that you need to consider carefully if you have been called or mailed information about charities. There are a number of them out there that are misusing people’s donations, and this has become a big program with so-called “veterans’ charities.” Please do your due diligence and check out any organization before giving them money. You may also call our office and we will be happy to assist you.
Jim Alton is the Director of the Veterans Affairs Department within Emmet County. Alton served in the United States Marine Corps (1955-62) and is retired from the Michigan State Police. Reach him or his assistant, Rick Wiertalla, at (231) 348-1780 or . www.emmetcounty.org/VA/