October 2001 |
Hank Gotard |
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Celebrating America's FreedomsSeptember
11th has caused, I believe, all of us to step back, to re-evaluate our belief
systems, our core values, who we are, where we are going individually and collectively,
the importance of God, country, family, friends. That
said, did you know that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers to the public a superb
collection of stories and fact sheets titled "Celebrating America's Freedoms",
describing the origins and history of America's most beloved customs, traditions and
national symbols. From the story of the
Pledge of Allegiance to guidelines/etiquette for display of the United Stated Colors, to
the origins of Memorial Day and Veterans Day, parents, educators, young leaders and, of
course, the general public, I believe, will find this collection both informative and
useful. For a free copy of this packet,
contact County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440. The
collection can also be obtained from the VA's website at www.va.gov.
State Scholarship Program
for Children
|
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 | State-owned
institutions of higher education, community colleges and technical institutions, or |
| Privately-owned,
nonprofit colleges and universities. |
Scholarships,
with one exception, provide free tuition, certain fees, room and board allowances in
state-owned institutions and $4,500 per academic year in private institutions of higher
learning. The exception being that awards
under the 100% service-connected disability provision, provide free tuition and certain
fees in state-owned institutions and $1,500 per academic year in private institutions. All awards are for four academic years and must be
used within ten years from the date of scholarship award.
Interested
persons are urged to contact County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440 or by email at ccvso@coastalnet.com.
TRICARE
for Life to Kick Off October 1st
According to a
recent press release from the TRICARE Management Agency, all systems are go for the
standing up, for the implementation on October 1st, of this Medigap policy,
providing lifetime health coverage for Medicare eligible military retirees, family members
and survivors.
This is a
fully funded program and a permanent entitlement. There
is no cost to the beneficiaries. This will
end the requirement to pay out-of-pocket expenses and most will conclude, that there is no
longer a need to purchase a Medigap supplemental insurance.
For the health
care providers, the process for reimbursement of services is painless. The physicians file for Medicare and Medicare will
pay for its covered services and in turn will send the unpaid portion to TRICARE, the
second payer.
The
beneficiary requirements are that they are enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment
Reporting System (DEERS) and be enrolled in Medicare Part B. For further information, call Tricare for Life at
toll-free 1-888-DOD-LIFE (1-888-363-5433).
A
Call to Arms for Reserve and Retired Marines
If you are a
Reserve or a Retired Marine and are interested in volunteering for mobilization with the
active duty Marine forces, to assist the Corps in meeting its manpower requirements in
support of Operation "Infinite Justice", the opportunity to step forward has
been tendered. On the internet, visit the
U.S. Marine Corps website, www.usmc.mil, for on-line application. If you do not have internet capability, contact
County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440 and they will assist you in your efforts to
volunteer.
A
Salute to America and its Veterans
The Veterans
Council of Carteret County is planning a parade, a salute to America and its veterans. It will be held on Arendell Street in Morehead
City on Saturday, November 10th, 2001 starting at 11:00 a.m. If you or your organization would like to play a
part in this patriotic event contact Tex Cavett at (W) 728-2411 or (H) 728-3878 or County
Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.
Prescription
Medications through the VA
Out of the 9000+ veterans in the County, over 2500 have enrolled in the VA's health care program and hundreds are taking advantage of this VA benefit that includes prescription medications. Should you be participating in this program and taking advantage of this entitlement? Contact County Veterans Services for more information at (252) 728-8440.
