Thursday, June 27, 2017
Emergency Mental Health Care to Former Service Members 
with Other Than Honorable Discharges

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently released plans that lay the framework for providing emergency mental health coverage to former service members with other than honorable administrative discharges.   This is the first time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative specifically focused on this group of former service members who suffer with mental health distress.

All Veterans Health Administration medical centers are prepared to offer emergency stabilization care for former service members who show up at a facility with an immediate mental health need.  Under this initiative, former service members with other than honorable discharge may receive care for up to 90 days for an initial period which will include inpatient, residential or outpatient care.  During this time, the Veterans Health and Veterans Benefits Administrations will work together to determine if the mental health condition is a result of a service related injury.  This will allow the service member to be eligible for ongoing coverage for that condition.

Veterans in crisis should call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (press 1) 
or text 838255.

Air Force Association Tracks GI Bill News
Larry O. Spencer, the President of the Air Force Association, has been tracking and advocating legislation in Washington D.C.  He reported that Republicans and Democrats have agreed to the largest expansion of college aid for military veterans in more than a decade.  The current Post 9/11 GI Bill, which was amended in 2008, provides a full ride scholarship to in state public universities or an equivalent in cash for private college tuition.  The proposed legislation is titled the "Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017" which is a combination of 18 separate House bills.  It enhances the Post 9/11 law and provides significant increases in GI Bill funding for Reservists, Guardsman, surviving spouses and dependents.

The bill would rename the Post 9/11 GI Bill to just GI Bill and becomes a "forever" GI Bill by removing the 15 year time limit to utilize the benefit.

A Study to Help Veterans with Traumatic Stress
The Scottsdale Research Institute is looking for adult military veterans who experienced trauma while in military service for a needed research study.  Volunteers for this study will complete 17 outpatient visits over 12 weeks and a 6 month follow up visit.  The study will investigate the effects of an investigational drug which has been a major topic of discussion recently, cannabis.  Eligibility is determined by a medical evaluation and modest compensation for participation is provided. 

All study visits will occur at the Scottsdale Research Institute.  For information about the study, email arizona@marijuanasites.org.


Click here for more information
The Veterans Pride Battalion Presents the Third Annual 
U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps Golf Classic

The 3rd Annual USNSCC Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, September 30th, 2017 at the Eagles Nest Golf Course at Pebble Creek Golf Resort in Goodyear.  The unit is a 501c3 so your contribution is tax deductible.

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a Congressionally Chartered official youth organization of the U.S. Navy.  The Corps serves to teach all youth, aged 11 to 17, America's richest oceanic traditions as well as teach the values of professional seamanship, leadership and the understanding of discipline, responsibility and teamwork.

Sea Cadets give hundreds of hours of community service at churches, retirement homes, food kitchens, veterans organizations plus veterans who cannot do for themselves. 

The tournament helps raise funds to support fees and costs of running the Veterans Pride Battalion for uniforms, travel expenses Color Guard equipment, college scholarships and unlimited training.

For information, contact LTJG Tim Rilley, 623-670-1307.


P-35 Fighter Jet Trains at Luke Air Force Base Wows at Paris Air Show
The F-35 Lightening II is a 5th generation fighter combining advanced stealth with speed and agility.  It will replace the A-10 and the F-16 for the U.S. Air Force.  The single seat, single engine fighter is designed for many missions with advanced integrated sensors built into every aircraft.  A squadron of F-35s will bring new capabilities to allied forces such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance that were traditionally performed by a larger number of older aircraft.

Earlier this month, the F-35 impressed the crowd at its world debut at the Paris Air Show by presenting significant advanced maneuvers that were previously impossible to perform. 

Upcoming Events

Our Military & Veterans Affairs Committee members work hard to advocate for active and former Military. One way they do this is by holding various community events.

Click here for a list of upcoming events backed by some of our members!
  
Does your business honor our heroes with specials and discounts for active military 
and/or veterans? If so let us know! Email you company name and a discount description Jackie Peyton at info@glendaleazchamber.org 
Please contact Chair of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee,
Sgt. Jeff Turney, through our Chamber liaison, Harry Shapiro, at 623-937-4754
if you would like to learn more or have any suggestions
on where we can be of assistance.