The first Augusta-area Veterans Employment Seminar was held Monday, June 14th, 2010 at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, presented by the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project and John B. Long, Esq.
The need for the seminar came up after veterans told us they were being asked inappropriate and possibly illegal questions on job interviews, including being asked for copies of their medical records, and details about their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Monday's seminar, where Mr. Long and Mr. Mont Miller presented information about USERRA (the 1994 act meant to protect service members' and veterans' employment rights) helped give veterans information on how to handle those types of questions.
Among the suggestions given: redirect those kinds of questions to a discussion of your skills and what you have to contribute on the job.
An article on the seminar from the Augusta Chronicle can be found at:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/2010-06-14/legal-forum-aims-aid-vets-civilian-jobs?v=1276554666
A follow up seminar will be held in three months. Please check back for exact location and time or contact Susan Folk at Folk.Susan@gmail.com.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Mentor Training Program May 18th, 2010
Mentor Training & Overview Starts May 18th in Augusta
The CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project (www.projectaugusta.org) is launching a Mentor Program. This Mentor Program will augment care for those active duty personnel at the Warrior Transition Battalion (Fort Gordon).
Mentors will serve as navigators and sounding boards to help mentees make positive life choices and decisions to help them achieve the best outcomes possible as they make the transition from active duty to civilian status, and reintegrate back into the community.
West Point graduate COL (ret.) Jon Dodson, Mentor Coordinator with the Walter Reed Wounded Warrior Mentor Program will be with us on Tuesday, the 18th of May at American Legion Post 205 in Augusta from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to provide an overview of their program, explain the benefits of mentoring, and he'll also conduct a very brief training on protecting privacy as it relates to health information (HIPAA). Pizza and refreshments will be served. We will also provide an overview of the Augusta Wounded Warrior Mentor Program.
Augusta Wounded Warrior Mentor Program
WHAT WE ARE: An initiative of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project, and a community-based program for soldiers in the Warrior Transition Battalion on Fort Gordon, GA.
WHAT IS A MENTOR? A navigator and sounding board to assist a Warrior in Transition (WT) in planning a productive and meaningful life and profession after service.
WHO ARE THE WOUNDED WARRIOR MENTORS? This is a volunteer program. Mentors for the Warrior Transition Battalion are Red Cross-trained Veterans who have had successful private sector careers, as well as retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers and senior Noncommissioned Officers. The mentors are screened by a panel including Warrior Transition Battalion staff and CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project volunteers.
WHAT IS THE MENTOR’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE WOUNDED WARRIOR?
It is a one-on-one relationship that aims to build a trusting bond between the mentor and the mentee. Our primary focus is the WT.
WHAT CAN A MENTOR DO FOR YOU?
· Help the WT plan for a productive life and profession in the event of separation from the military.
· Help WT set life goals based on their interests and get them on a path towards achieving them. This includes suggesting appropriate professional and personal development opportunities.
· Assist the WT in developing and considering options for the future, and in choosing a course of action.
· Help WT plan their educational goals and assist them in putting a plan into action.
· As appropriate, assist WT in preparing a personal budget and making sound financial plans, encouraging the WT to take advantage of the full range of VA, community and other benefits available.
Please reply to Susan Folk, folk.susan@gmail.com and let us know if you are able to attend!
Directions to American Legion Post 205, 2012 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (Phone: 706-733-4069)
From Ft Gordon: Head east on Gordon HWY/US278/US E/GA-10 E/JEFFERSON Davis Memorial HWY. Turn left onto Highland AVE. 2102 Highland AVE is on the right.
From North Augusta: South on Georgia Ave/US-25 BR toward E SUMMIT AVE. (crossing into GA). US-25 becomes 13th st, 13th St becomes RA DENT BLVD. Turn slight right onto Wrightsboro Road, 2102 Highland Ave is on the left.
The CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project (www.projectaugusta.org) is launching a Mentor Program. This Mentor Program will augment care for those active duty personnel at the Warrior Transition Battalion (Fort Gordon).
Mentors will serve as navigators and sounding boards to help mentees make positive life choices and decisions to help them achieve the best outcomes possible as they make the transition from active duty to civilian status, and reintegrate back into the community.
West Point graduate COL (ret.) Jon Dodson, Mentor Coordinator with the Walter Reed Wounded Warrior Mentor Program will be with us on Tuesday, the 18th of May at American Legion Post 205 in Augusta from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to provide an overview of their program, explain the benefits of mentoring, and he'll also conduct a very brief training on protecting privacy as it relates to health information (HIPAA). Pizza and refreshments will be served. We will also provide an overview of the Augusta Wounded Warrior Mentor Program.
Augusta Wounded Warrior Mentor Program
WHAT WE ARE: An initiative of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project, and a community-based program for soldiers in the Warrior Transition Battalion on Fort Gordon, GA.
WHAT IS A MENTOR? A navigator and sounding board to assist a Warrior in Transition (WT) in planning a productive and meaningful life and profession after service.
WHO ARE THE WOUNDED WARRIOR MENTORS? This is a volunteer program. Mentors for the Warrior Transition Battalion are Red Cross-trained Veterans who have had successful private sector careers, as well as retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers and senior Noncommissioned Officers. The mentors are screened by a panel including Warrior Transition Battalion staff and CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project volunteers.
WHAT IS THE MENTOR’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE WOUNDED WARRIOR?
It is a one-on-one relationship that aims to build a trusting bond between the mentor and the mentee. Our primary focus is the WT.
WHAT CAN A MENTOR DO FOR YOU?
· Help the WT plan for a productive life and profession in the event of separation from the military.
· Help WT set life goals based on their interests and get them on a path towards achieving them. This includes suggesting appropriate professional and personal development opportunities.
· Assist the WT in developing and considering options for the future, and in choosing a course of action.
· Help WT plan their educational goals and assist them in putting a plan into action.
· As appropriate, assist WT in preparing a personal budget and making sound financial plans, encouraging the WT to take advantage of the full range of VA, community and other benefits available.
Please reply to Susan Folk, folk.susan@gmail.com and let us know if you are able to attend!
Directions to American Legion Post 205, 2012 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (Phone: 706-733-4069)
From Ft Gordon: Head east on Gordon HWY/US278/US E/GA-10 E/JEFFERSON Davis Memorial HWY. Turn left onto Highland AVE. 2102 Highland AVE is on the right.
From North Augusta: South on Georgia Ave/US-25 BR toward E SUMMIT AVE. (crossing into GA). US-25 becomes 13th st, 13th St becomes RA DENT BLVD. Turn slight right onto Wrightsboro Road, 2102 Highland Ave is on the left.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Survivor Outreach Services-Augusta, GA
Fort Gordon's Garrison Commander is increasing outreach and services to survivors of fallen Soldiers.
Contact Suzanne Crosby (suzanne.crosby@us.army.mil), of Survivor Outreach Services to learn more about their upcoming February 25th event that starts at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cultural Center in downtown Augusta at 13th and Greene Streets.
See their announcement below!
Laurie
_____________________________________________
The Army has implemented the new Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program to
assist the survivors of our fallen Soldiers. The SOS staff is hosting
"Coffee Break with SOS" as a networking event for event sponsors and service
providers to learn about SOS and meet others who assist our CSRA survivors.
Three tables will be provided for service providers to share their business
cards or brochures with other service providers. When you RSVP, please let
me know if you will want to utilize table space.
"Coffee Break with SOS" will be held on February 25, 2010 from 9:30-11:00
a.m. in the Grand Hall at Sacred Heart (1301 Greene Street). We hope you
will come join us for your midmorning cup of coffee. The event is open to
the public so you may invite other coworkers or friends that might have an
interest in assisting our survivors. Please RSVP to Survivor Outreach
Services by February 22, 2010 at (706) 787-4SOS(4676) or (706)
787-1SOS(1767) or email us at Suzanne.crosby@us.army.mil.
Contact Suzanne Crosby (suzanne.crosby@us.army.mil), of Survivor Outreach Services to learn more about their upcoming February 25th event that starts at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cultural Center in downtown Augusta at 13th and Greene Streets.
See their announcement below!
Laurie
_____________________________________________
The Army has implemented the new Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program to
assist the survivors of our fallen Soldiers. The SOS staff is hosting
"Coffee Break with SOS" as a networking event for event sponsors and service
providers to learn about SOS and meet others who assist our CSRA survivors.
Three tables will be provided for service providers to share their business
cards or brochures with other service providers. When you RSVP, please let
me know if you will want to utilize table space.
"Coffee Break with SOS" will be held on February 25, 2010 from 9:30-11:00
a.m. in the Grand Hall at Sacred Heart (1301 Greene Street). We hope you
will come join us for your midmorning cup of coffee. The event is open to
the public so you may invite other coworkers or friends that might have an
interest in assisting our survivors. Please RSVP to Survivor Outreach
Services by February 22, 2010 at (706) 787-4SOS(4676) or (706)
787-1SOS(1767) or email us at Suzanne.crosby@us.army.mil.
Free Legal Help for Military & Veterans in GA
Great News for Georgia's Service Members, Veterans and Their Families
The State Bar Association of Georgia has launched a program to provide coordinated and free legal services to military personnel and veterans. Mike Monahan, Director of the program, and Norman Zoller, Coordinating Attorney, visited the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project Transition Round Table today and briefed on the program.
To find out more about it, visit: http://www.gabar.org/programs/military_legal_assistance_program/
or contact Mike Monahan at mikem@gabar.org or Norman Zoller at normanz@gabar.org.
We also plan on including Augusta area attorneys in our next Transition Round Table to better connect the local legal community with our ongoing efforts to streamline the system. The round table provides the platform for networking and harnessing resources dedicated to transitioning service members, veterans and their families.
To get a copy of the next meeting's agenda (slated for April 14th, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.), or to get a copy of the Transition Round Table charter, contact Susan Folk, folk.susan@gmail.com
Laurie
The State Bar Association of Georgia has launched a program to provide coordinated and free legal services to military personnel and veterans. Mike Monahan, Director of the program, and Norman Zoller, Coordinating Attorney, visited the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project Transition Round Table today and briefed on the program.
To find out more about it, visit: http://www.gabar.org/programs/military_legal_assistance_program/
or contact Mike Monahan at mikem@gabar.org or Norman Zoller at normanz@gabar.org.
We also plan on including Augusta area attorneys in our next Transition Round Table to better connect the local legal community with our ongoing efforts to streamline the system. The round table provides the platform for networking and harnessing resources dedicated to transitioning service members, veterans and their families.
To get a copy of the next meeting's agenda (slated for April 14th, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.), or to get a copy of the Transition Round Table charter, contact Susan Folk, folk.susan@gmail.com
Laurie
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Augusta Leaders Praised for Commitment to Community, Warriors
Augusta, GA November 18, 2009
Three Central Savannah River Area Wounded Warrior Care Project board members were honored at an Augusta-area Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Jim Hull (President of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project), and board members Clay Boardman and Boone Knox were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Augusta area.
Click here to read the article in the Augusta Chronicle:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/11/18/bus_556176.shtml
Also, MG Perry Smith (USAF ret.) has written another piece for the Augusta Chronicle praising community efforts, including those that have completed the campaign to fully fund Augusta's second Fisher House, the home away from home for wounded warriors' family members. This breaks ground December 9th on the campus of the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and shows the community's total commitment to not only the wounded warriors coming to Augusta for care at our Active Duty Rehab Unit, but also serves as an endorsement of the unique partnership that Eisenhower Army Medical Center has with our VA Medical Center.
To see MG Smith's article, click here: http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/11/18/op__556139.shtml
Three Central Savannah River Area Wounded Warrior Care Project board members were honored at an Augusta-area Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Jim Hull (President of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project), and board members Clay Boardman and Boone Knox were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Augusta area.
Click here to read the article in the Augusta Chronicle:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/11/18/bus_556176.shtml
Also, MG Perry Smith (USAF ret.) has written another piece for the Augusta Chronicle praising community efforts, including those that have completed the campaign to fully fund Augusta's second Fisher House, the home away from home for wounded warriors' family members. This breaks ground December 9th on the campus of the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and shows the community's total commitment to not only the wounded warriors coming to Augusta for care at our Active Duty Rehab Unit, but also serves as an endorsement of the unique partnership that Eisenhower Army Medical Center has with our VA Medical Center.
To see MG Smith's article, click here: http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/11/18/op__556139.shtml
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New GI Bill Emergency Funds (apply online)
Note: This is a VA news release with the latest information about emergency funds the VA will release beginning October 2nd, 2009.
Please comment about your experiences with applying for the benefit.
Laurie Ott
Executive Director, CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Katie Roberts
Sept. 30, 2009 katie.roberts@va.gov or 202-461-4982
Secretary Shinseki Announces Ability to Sign Up for Emergency Education Benefit Payments on VA Web-Site this Friday
Vans to Help Veteran-Students
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced further outreach to Veteran-students eligible for a special emergency payment of their education benefits. Veterans can now apply online beginning Oct. 2. Veteran-students can also request courtesy transportation to VA regional benefits offices.
“Our Veterans went the extra mile for their country,” Shinseki said. “One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for Veterans.”
Last week Shinseki announced that on Friday, Oct. 2, VA’s 57 regional benefits offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment.
Citing the distance many Veterans would have to travel to apply in person at a VA benefits office, Shinseki announced Veterans can also apply online at www.va.gov, starting Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veterans through the process to supply needed information. Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.
“VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our Veteran-students who are on campus,” Shinseki said. “They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”
Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, Veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the “Volunteer Transportation Coordinator.” Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Veterans can find a map and list of medical centers at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1.
Whether traveling by personal vehicle or volunteer van, VA officials suggest students check their mail boxes and banking accounts before leaving home, since some Veterans will find their checks have already arrived. VA would like to recognize the volunteers and Veterans Service Organizations for partnering with the Department to ensure that Veterans’ needs are met.
The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for Veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many Veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.
A map and list of the participating VA regional benefits offices is available on the Internet at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3. The most updated information regarding VA issuing emergency checks will be available at VA’s web site www.va.gov starting Oct. 1.
Applications from approximately 25,000 Veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.
Please comment about your experiences with applying for the benefit.
Laurie Ott
Executive Director, CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Katie Roberts
Sept. 30, 2009 katie.roberts@va.gov or 202-461-4982
Secretary Shinseki Announces Ability to Sign Up for Emergency Education Benefit Payments on VA Web-Site this Friday
Vans to Help Veteran-Students
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced further outreach to Veteran-students eligible for a special emergency payment of their education benefits. Veterans can now apply online beginning Oct. 2. Veteran-students can also request courtesy transportation to VA regional benefits offices.
“Our Veterans went the extra mile for their country,” Shinseki said. “One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for Veterans.”
Last week Shinseki announced that on Friday, Oct. 2, VA’s 57 regional benefits offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment.
Citing the distance many Veterans would have to travel to apply in person at a VA benefits office, Shinseki announced Veterans can also apply online at www.va.gov, starting Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veterans through the process to supply needed information. Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.
“VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our Veteran-students who are on campus,” Shinseki said. “They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties.”
Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, Veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the “Volunteer Transportation Coordinator.” Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Veterans can find a map and list of medical centers at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1.
Whether traveling by personal vehicle or volunteer van, VA officials suggest students check their mail boxes and banking accounts before leaving home, since some Veterans will find their checks have already arrived. VA would like to recognize the volunteers and Veterans Service Organizations for partnering with the Department to ensure that Veterans’ needs are met.
The emergency checks are an advance on each student’s education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for Veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many Veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.
A map and list of the participating VA regional benefits offices is available on the Internet at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3. The most updated information regarding VA issuing emergency checks will be available at VA’s web site www.va.gov starting Oct. 1.
Applications from approximately 25,000 Veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Kayak Program at Augusta VA: How to Help
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia is home to the nation's only Active Duty Rehab Unit located within a VA facility. It's treated more than 640 inpatients since opening in 2004, and was featured on the NBC Nightly News in March.
The Kayak Program, overseen by the Recreation Therapist at the Active Duty Rehab Unit, allows Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen healing at the unit to enjoy this outdoor sport and the beautiful Augusta canal as well as the Savannah River. To volunteer your time or to support the program, contact Eric Gray, Recreation Therapist, Charlie Norwood VA Active Duty Rehab Unit at eric.gray@va.gov or call him at (706) 733-0188 extension 6146.
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