Since 1944, when the Serviceman’s Re-adjustment Act was signed into law, the GI Bill, as it is properly known, has secured more than a half-trillion dollars worth of financing for veteran’s and service member’s home loans. In fiscal year 1998 alone, the VA guaranteed more than 343,000 loans for mortgages worth more than $37.9 billion.

Honorably discharged veterans, active duty members, and reservists are eligible for the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, which guarantees up to half the mortgage, depending on the value of the property and whether it is for a conventional home. A key point, the government does not directly loan the money, but guarantees a lender it will stand behind a portion of the loan. Other loan uses range from remodeling to the installation of solar heating to refinancing a mortgage.

One of the most valuable aspects of VA’s Home Loan Guaranty benefits is that no down payment is required. A subsequent buyer with a credit approval may assume the loan under the original terms and the continuity government guaranty.

It is estimated some 29 million veterans and service members are eligible for VA guaranteed loans. Even though many veterans have already used their loan benefits, it may be possible for them to buy homes again by using remaining or restored VA loan entitlement.

For more information about this entitlement, one may call the VA Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000 or County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.

VA recently announced that it would tackle what many consider to be the bane of the health-care industry—waiting times and delays. VA has contracted with the Boston-based institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to guide the effort.

"Reducing delays is critical. It can improve medical outcomes and positively affect patient satisfaction, costs and quality of life," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Togo West. "Our goal is to reduce overall delays and waits system wide by 50% or more within the next six to eight months." Teams from approximately 130 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics will work together until March 2000 to learn and implement proven techniques. The teams will focus on patient flow, access and efficiency at outpatient clinics.

"More timely service and less complex systems can be achieved by redesigning our systems of care," said Acting Under Secretary for Health Dr. Garthwaite. "Our ultimate goal in this initiative is to enhance quality of care and improve patient satisfaction."

 County Veteran Statistics

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs recently published some interesting statistics on the States Veterans Population. Some applicable excerpts of the document are provided.

Carteret County Wartime Veterans as of July 1999

World War I……………………………….3

World War II…………………………2,400

Korean Conflict……………………..1,690

Vietnam Era…………………………2,960

Gulf War……………………………….770

Total Veterans (all periods)……….9,270

 The County’s 1999 population, based on the County Economic Development Council, is 59,360. In essence, when addressing county veterans, we are talking about approximately 15% of the population, over 30% when addressing those county residents who could be effected by veteran entitlements.

In fiscal year 1998, VA expenditures and entitlements paid to Carteret County veterans was $10,400,503.00. The entitlements were in the areas of compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, education, insurance, and indemnities.

The above statistics do not include the veteran population and VA expenditures in the Western section of the County, e.g.. Cape Carteret with a Swansboro zip code. Nor does it include medical care/medicines provided to county veterans.

Both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard offer this means of final disposition of cremains and intact remains. Deceased individuals eligibility for this program are basically the same for the Navy and the Coast Guard and is available to (1) members and retirees of the uniformed services; (2) veterans discharged under honorable conditions; (3) U.S. Civilian Marine personnel of the Military Sea Lift Command, and (4) dependents of members, retirees, and veterans of the uniformed services. Needless to say, availability of this committal service is based on operational commitments. For more information and for the Armed Forces Points of Contact, call County Veteran Services at (252) 728-8440 or by email at ccvso@coastalnet.com.

Previously furnished headstones and markers are replaced at government expense when badly deteriorated, illegible, or vandalized. Replacement is also available if the headstone or marker is different from that specified by the cemetery, the inscription is incorrect, or the material or workmanship doesn’t meet specifications.

If one has a special questions one can call the VA Office of Memorial Programs at 1-800-697-6947 or Veteran Services at (252) 728-8440.

Planning for the Carteret County Veterans Day Parade is in full swing. The event will be held on November 6, 1999 on Arendell Street in Morehead City. If you or your organization are interested in participating or would like to assist in the events planning, please contact Tex Cavett of the Carteret County Veterans Council at work by dialing (252) 728-2411 or home at (252) 728-3878.