PACT Act: The deadline to file your claim for the PACT Act and get backdated payments to August 2022 is Wednesday, August 9, 2023! If you were in Viet Nam, Gulf War, or Post 9/11 and exposed to chemicals, sand storms, burn pits, etc., you need to get your information together and file a claim. If you don’t have it all yet, you can file an intent to file by August 9 and that will give you more time to collect your information. The V.A. is making a big push about this deadline so you can get the most money possible. August 10 and after, you will no longer be eligible to receive back payments. Other than backdated payments, there is no deadline to file for benefits. The V.A. warns that there are fraudsters out there who will take some of your payments to help you file. You will never need to use their services. Filing is free so go to a valid source if you need help:

1. Call 1-800-698-2411 for assistance in filing your claim
2. Visit https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
3. Visit the Veteran Services at the V.A. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but you will need an appointment
4. Get help from DAV, VFW, American Legion, U.S. VETS-Prescott.

​Upcoming Events:

Diabetes Education at the VA!

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed as being either pre-diabetic or diabetic, the VA offers classes to help you reverse the diagnosis if you’re pre-diabetic and learn how to control it, and live healthier if you’re diabetic. Pre-diabetes, which is reversible, is a warning that you are headed for diabetes which cannot be reversed. There are in-person and online classes each month. The in-person classes are on the VA Campus, Building 117 in Room 134. The Pre-Diabetic classes are generally on the 2nd Wednesday of each month online and on the 4th Wednesday of each month in person from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Diabetes classes are usually on the 1st Wednesday online and the 3rd Wednesday in person from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you can’t get to a class in person, you can take an online class. The Health Resource Center will provide you with an iPad if you need one. You need the internet. To register for either an in-person or an online class, call either Kathy Bryson or Janee Lai at 928-445-4860 x 2581. They will send you a booklet prior to class so you can mark your questions. Those attending online will get an email with the link. The classes for August and September are:

Diabetes Online August 2 and Sept. 6, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Diabetes Classroom August 16 and Sept. 20, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Pre-Diabetes Online August 9 and Sept. 13, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Pre-Diabetes Classroom August 23 and Sept. 27, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Complimentary Lunch at Essence Kitchen and Bar  

August 6, 11:00 a.m. and Noon seatings

To honor all persons who served, Essence Kitchen and Bar will provide a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage, salad, entrée, and dessert. There are 2 seatings and reservations are required by calling 928-925-3888. Gratuity is appreciated and will be donated to Lady Hawks girls' softball. The address is 1021 AZ-89 #104, Chino Valley, AZ

Veterans Quarterly Mixer     Monday, August 7, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Embry-Riddle, Lower Hanger Student Union Bldg 16

This event is tailored towards Veteran Owned Businesses and our Veteran Community,

however, everyone is welcome to attend. These mixers provide a unique opportunity to connect with Veteran business owners, learn about Chamber initiatives for Veterans, and discover how Veterans in Prescott help local businesses. There will be a short announcement to welcome all attendees and the hosting location will discuss their business. Attendees are welcome to take a tour of the location afterward. Embry-Riddle is located at 3700 Willow Creek Dr., Prescott, AZ. Bring your business cards. To register call or email Crystal at 928-445-2000 ext. 117 or Crystal@Prescott.org.

HopeFest  August 19, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza

Come one, come all to the 11th Annual HopeFest! This free community event is filled with resources for Veterans, Families, etc. where you can get Well Checks as well as information about colleges, Fire Safety, Mental Health Services, and more. You can also

enjoy some family time at the Family Fun Zone with singers, dancers, sack races, small ponies, a bounce house, drama troops, and other activities. You can learn what’s going on in the community as well as find out where you can volunteer or donate if you like. There will be a great opening ceremony at noon with Mayor Phil Goode and other speakers, live music, food, a car and motorcycle show, and much more. Everyone is welcome to attend so come and enjoy this fun event! What can you bring? Organizations always welcome donations and volunteers so you can bring canned goods, new or gently used coats, gloves, blankets, tents, pajamas, sweatshirts, shoes, socks, etc. You can even volunteer for a few hours at the event. Go to Hopefestaz.com.

Free Lecture with Golani Brigade War Heroes      August 24,  12:00 noon       

Yavapai College Community Room

Jewish Prescott is hosting a free lecture at Yavapai College. The featured speakers will be 2 Israel Defense Forces Golani Brigade war heroes who were wounded in duty. The Golani Brigade is one of five infantry brigades in Israel and has participated in all their major wars. These heroes will share their stories along with valuable information on Israel's Policy and worldview. Plan to attend this rare lecture. Register at Jewishprescott.org jewishprescott.org or call 928-362-8924.  

Meet and Greet for RWOP Veterans  August 29, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Whiskey River Tavern

RWOP honors our Veterans in many ways including a free lunch in November. However, we would like our Veterans to have an opportunity to get to know each other better as well as have any questions answered that they may have regarding the VA or RWOP. We will have speakers from the VA Women Veterans Program, PACT Act, and U.S. VETS – Prescott as well as some RWOP Board members. However, the majority of the time will be spent having a chance to chat with each other. We realize that our luncheons are packed full so there’s not much time to converse. The event will be held at the Whiskey River Tavern, 214 S. Montezuma St in Prescott. We will have appetizers and a no-host bar. We would love to see as many of our men and women Veterans as we

can from RWOP! Contact Deb Robbins, Armed Services Chair, to register by August 15 at either phxlass@cox.net or 602-402-7069.

Yavapai County Stand Down Sept 15 & 16, U.S. VETS – Prescott

1040 Whipple Street, Prescott AZ

Plan to attend this year’s Yavapai County Stand Down. If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, contact Michelle Brien, Volunteer Coordinator, at 928-356-2771 or

mbrien@usvets.org.

Benetravel Update:

The VA will pay for your travel if you need to go to a different VA facility for an appointment, for example, to Phoenix. However, note that the time allotted to submit those claims has changed. VA National now requires you to submit your claims within 30 days of your appointment or they will not be reimbursed.  Any questions, please call 928-445-4860 ext. 6144.

PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins) Act Veterans have multiple ways of submitting their claims for Toxic Exposure and there is a lot of good information for reference and to assist Veterans with the new PACT Act Claims. The quickest way is to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment here:  https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/

If you have questions about the PACT Act visit va.gov/PACT. This act is for service members and their survivors who had environmental exposures during their military service. This coverage is extended to veterans of the Viet Nam, Gulf War, and Post 9/11 eras. The burden of proof is no longer on the veteran. There are presumptive conditions such as cancers, Parkinson's Disease, Hypertension, etc. If you’re not enrolled, please do so even if just for this coverage here:  VA.gov/healthcare/apply/application/introduction or call 877-222-8387, M-F, 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you’ve been turned down before, apply again. The rules for eligibility change. The benefits are being paid out now and will be back-dated to August 2022, when the act was signed. The VA warns all Veterans about SCAMS. You do not need a third-party company to fill out the application. Often these companies will give you a blank form to sign and say they will fill it out and mail it, or they will have you sign a contract giving them a percentage of your benefits. If you need assistance, go to an accredited group by the VA such as DAV, VFW, or other local Veteran Service Organizations. This Act provides Veterans and their survivors with the benefits and care they have earned and deserve.

COMPACT Act (Comprehensive Prevention Access to Care Treatment)

As of January 17, 2023 Veterans in Acute Suicidal Crisis can now go to any VA or non-VA

healthcare facility for emergency healthcare at no cost including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system. You can call 988 (then press 1) to quickly connect with qualified crisis support 24/7.

VA Benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more. You can join an event for conversation and information by going to www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/ to peruse their online events. You can also call the VA Benefits Hotline at 800-827-1000.

The Arizona Dept. of Veteran Services assists veterans and their family members in qualifying and applying for benefits. They help with service-connected disabilities to non-service-connected pensions, assist with burial claims, and run an Arizona State Veterans Home, among other services. They can help you determine your benefits and submit claims, including those with the PACT Act and COMPACT Act. They also help with appeals because laws change, diagnoses change, and people get new evidence. They are at the VA in Building 15 three times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but you can also meet with them virtually or on the phone. Call 602-535-1215 for questions and appointments.

Life Insurance Guide for Veterans & Servicemembers – If you need assistance

with insurance, here is another resource. Click the image below.