The Newsletter, Notices and Minutes

The Current Newsletter

Previous Newsletters:   2nd Quarter 2006

Association Minutes:   Minutes 2004   Minutes 2002

See Then & Now page, Other Stories: "Thanks for Your Service" to read Tim Bisch's report on the events at Fort Hood recognizing today's Outlaws.

Note from the Director…

It has come to my attention recently that we are getting older very fast. Well some may ask... "Where have you been?" Actually, my health has been pretty good...aside from diabetes, but good enough to go out west for my favorite sport of hunting deer and antelope.

Recently, I have heard that of few of our VLOA members have been having some health issues and could benefit from help available through various organizations.  Many eligible veterans and/or spouses do not know how to access  the many services available to them.

However, I would like to speak to you about important information I learned from my job as Director of Veteran Affairs in Pennsylvania a few years ago. Many veterans didn't know that each state has a veterans affairs office readily available to them.  Most states such as Alabama and Pennsylvania have county veteran's offices to provide assistance. Don't forget the veterans service organizations such as the DAV, the American Legion, VFW, The Purple Heart Org. and others. These organizations all have service officers to assist. You don't have to be a member. A personal visit to your local veterans organization or a telephone call to one of those mentioned above may be all that is required.  But if there is no acceptable result then call another until the issue is resolved. Put this information in a conspicuous place so that others may quickly access it shoulk the the need arise. Don,t forget your religious leader, who can be a comfort in such a situation. This is especially important for us old geezers who may need assistance in a hurry.

Joe
 

Keeping your family's files current............ Extract from Army Echoes

Retired Soldiers and surviving spouses.... does your family know where your files and importrant papers are? If you died tomorrow, would they know where your bank account is, what insurance you carried and where the deed to the house is? If you haven't yet put together a packet of information for your family, a good tool to use is the Casualty Assistance Checklist which you can be accessed on the Army Echoes homepage at http://www.army.mil/rso/PostRetirement.asp under information for Retired Soldiers and Family Members. Complete the checklist and give it to your family to make things a little easier after your death.

RETIREES.... Are you an AKO user?

Log on now to https://www.army.mil and obtain an account. Retired Soldiers are no longer required to enter your Pay Entry Basic Date to prove eligibility. The only number you need to enter on the secure site is your Social security number. You can find the Army Benefits Tool which has links to sites for all phases of the Soldier Life Cycle. In AKO click on Self Service and then on my benefits.

A LITTLE HUMOR.... 

An elderly gentlemen...... had serious hearing problems. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentlemen to hear 100%.

The elderly gentlemen went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again."

The gentlemen replied, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times."

Question: Why are lawyers buried 12 feet deep when they die instead of the normal six feet?

Answer: Because deep down, they are really good people.