Gulf War R.A.C. meeting March 10th.

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness

Watch and listen online: https://tinyurl.com/racgwvi-march2021
Meeting number (access code): 199 853 4496
Meeting password: uiJMAfX*828
1-404-397-1596 USA Toll Number

To Learn more about the Gulf War Research Advisory Committee please go to:
https://www.va.gov/RAC-GWVI

VA Expanding Caregiver Support

Veterans Affairs
Program of Comprehensive
Assistance for Family Caregivers

Will be Expanding October 1st, 2022 to include Veterans who served between May 1975 and September 2001. Find everything you need at: VA Caregiver Support home.

VA Hiring Nurses in VISN 8 area.

The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) is hiring registered nurses for positions located throughout Florida and South Georgia.

Registered nurse professionals interested in employment with VA are encouraged to attend a virtual job fair event scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Individuals can register for the event by texting ServeVets to 25000 or by visiting https://bit.ly/3oqZri1 the day of the event.

To learn more about nursing at VA, please visit: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Careers/Nursing/

Help the fight against Covid – 19

Hello All, If you are in South Florida and interested in participating in a New Covid-19 Vaccine Study here you go. They are looking for Adults whoAge 18 or older and those particularly over the age of 65Represent one of the Racial and ethnic groups that have been greatly impacted. ( See Flyer )Under Lying medical conditions such as Diabetes or ObesityHigh risks of exposures through work like a First Responder, Healthcare worker, or delivery person.Live or work in an elder-care facilityretired or active military If you decide to join a Covid-19 prevention study you may be compensated for your participation. There are 4 contacts listed but just in case Precious Leaks 305-575-7000 ext – 17648 email precious.leaks-gutierrez@va.gov Info – Provided by Vet Info – #vetinfo4vets

Founder Desert Storm Veteran Bill Meets Southern Command – Commander – Admiral Faller

Admiral Faller Southern Command and Bill Watts

Today Veterans from all over South Florida came to the city of Doral in a somber ceremony celebrating our Nation’s Hero’s. Key Note Speaker Admiral Faller took the time to Thank all the Veterans Past and Present for their Service.

Nation Wide Veteran’s Day Offers

Veteran’s Day Restaurants recognizing Veterans for their service.

Golden Corral
From November 1 – November 30, 2020, all active and former military members can pick up a free “thank you
meal” promotional card that’s good for one free lunch or dinner buffet and beverage. The promotional card can
Texas de Brazil
Veterans receive 25% off dinner Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12.
7-Eleven
Get a free coffee or Big Gulp on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day. Download the 7-Eleven app and sign
Applebee’s
Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of
BJ’s Restaurant
On Veterans Day, all service members can enjoy a complimentary entree up to $14.95, plus a free Dr Pepper, by
Bob Evans
Bob Evans Restaurants are offering free select menu items to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans
Bubba Gump Shrimp
Military personnel and their families receive 20% off on food and retail purchases on Nov. 11, 2020.
Buffalo Wild Wings Free Wings
All day long on Wednesday, November 11, veterans and active duty military who dine-in at their local B-Dubs
can receive a free one order of boneless wings and a side of fries. At participating U.S. locations only.
Buffalo Wings & Rings
Veterans and Active Military with valid ID will receive 3 free tenders and a drink on November 11th, 2020 at
BURGERFI
Attention all Veterans, Active Military, Armed Forces and First Responders. This Wednesday BURGERFI will be giving you all a complimentary burger of your choice. Please read the flyer for more information. THANK YOU ALL for your service
Chili’s Grill & Bar
All veterans and active duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on
Cicis Pizza
Free adult buffet with valid active duty or retired military ID on 11/11/20.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
During Military Family Appreciation Month Cracker Barrel will offer in-store specials on Veterans Day for military
veterans and promotions throughout November to support military families in partnership with Operation
Denny’s
All active, non-active or retired military personnel at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide will
receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. Diners must
Dunkin’ Donuts
On November 11, Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants
Einstein Bros. Bagels
On 11/11/20 veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.
Famous Dave’s
On Nov. 11 in honor of Veteran’s Day all former and current military personnel will receive a free free Georgia
Fox & Hound
This Veterans Day get a free meal. Dine-in only. Not available at Schaumburg and Arlington Heights locations.
Hooters
Veterans can stop in for 10 free boneless wings with any 10 purchase from a long list of wing styles.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
All veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary entree on Nov. 11th at participating locations.
IHOP
All active duty and Veterans are invited to come in and enjoy Free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes on Monday,
Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee
On Veterans Day, a free doughnut and coffee will be on the house.
Little Caesars Pizza
On Wednesday, November 11, from 11am to 2pm, veterans and active military members can receive a free
Lunch Combo, which features four slices of Little Caesars popular Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza, paired
Macaroni Grill
This Veterans Day, 11/11, all veterans and active military receive a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti
Menchie’s Free Frozen Yogurt
On Veterans Day, all Veterans and military personnel with a military ID or proof of service will receive a free six
ounce frozen yogurt any time of day on Veterans Day 11.11. Show a valid ID or be in uniform to receive.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
All current and former military members enjoy 20% off on November 11. Valid for parties up to 4. Must show
Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
This Veterans Day all military veterans, active servicemen and women can enjoy a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca
Pilot Flying J/U.S. Pilot
All active-duty and retired military veterans get a free breakfast including a coffee, Monday through Sunday,
Publix’s –
Veterans, military personnel, and their families save 10% on groceries this Veterans Day. Exclusions apply.
Red Lobster
On Wednesday, November 11th to thank Veterans, active duty military and reservists, Red Lobster will offer a
free appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu. To receive offer, show a valid military ID.
Red Robin
Veterans and Active Military who are Red Robin Royalty members can redeem their free Tavern Double Burger
with Steak Fries any time between 11/12 and 11/30 for Dine-in or To-Go. The offer will be automatically
Shoney’s
Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering a free All You Care To Eat breakfast, to all Veterans
and Active Duty Military members on 11.11.20 from open – 11 am.
Sonny’s BBQ
On November 11, veterans and active duty military with valid ID will receive a free Pulled or Sliced Pork
sandwich plus a voucher for free BBQ Egg Rolls on a future visit.; Dine-in or takeout only.
Starbucks
On Veterans Day, active duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a
Texas Roadhouse
is handing out vouchers for a free meal to all Veterans and Active Duty military from 11 am to 2 pm on Veterans
Day. Vouchers will be distributed in the parking lots at Texas Roadhouse locations.
Tijuana Flats
Active Military and Veterans will receive 50% off all adult entrees with a valid ID. Wednesday, 11-11-20. The
offer is valid for in-store and takeout orders. Orders may also be placed online on the Tijuana Flats Rewards app.
Wawa
Free coffee for veterans, active duty and family members on Wednesday, 11/11.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s nationwide are offering a free small breakfast combo with valid military ID. No purchase necessary.
Ziggi’s Coffee
Veterans get a free 16 oz drink on November 11, 2020 at all ZiggiA1:B111’s Coffee locations.

VA announces 100+ Events for Nov. for the Veterans

VA Announces over 100 Activities and Events for Veterans During November.

#VetResources is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
SIGN UP | VIEW/SHARE Veterans Day 2020 Virtual Events There’s no shortage of observances, parades, events, and workouts to join online! Here’s some of the largest Veterans Day events or scroll down to see the entire list. LEARN MORE Veterans Month Events (Scroll down to view 100+ events!) Veterans Day is November 11, 2020 but Veterans and their families are celebrated all month. VIEW ALL EVENTSVeterans Day 2020 DiscountsDownload the official Veterans Day PosterVeterans Day Teaching ResourcesVeterans Day HistoryVA’s Official Veterans Day CalendarVA’s Veterans Day Page

Fitness
Nov. 6 – Moab, Utah Veterans Day Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking
Nov. 11 – Workout of the Day for Warriors with Team RWB
Nov. 11 – Suicide Awareness Bike Ride Across North Carolina

Museums & Tours
Nov. 7 – Historical Displays & Military Vehicles Centralia, Washington
Nov. 7 – Secrets and History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Nov. 9 – Virtual Veterans Museum Showcase – Auburn, Washington
Nov. 11 – Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony at National Veterans Memorial
Nov. 11 – Lejeune Memorial Gardens Guided Tours & Veterans Walk of Honor
Nov. 11 – National Museum of Health and Medicine Virtual Veterans Day Tour
Nov. 11 – They Served: Stories From Veterans w/ First Division Museum

Special Events:
Nov. 8-14 – Veterans Film Festival
Nov. 10 – Southern Arizona Veterans Tele Town Hall
Nov. 10 – Military Caregivers in Action
Nov. 10 – Bridging the Divide: Women Who Serve
Nov. 14 – Celebrating Veterans and the Arts: A Virtual Concert
Nov. 17 – Military Child Education Summit 2020
Nov. 18 – Planning for the Worst, Hoping for the Best w/ Military Families
Nov. 20 – Olympia, Washington Veterans Stand Down

Food & Meals:
Nov. 10 – Coffee With a Vet – Eagle, Idaho
Nov. 10 – Sweet Treats for Vets – Auburn, Washington
Nov. 11 – Veterans Coffee Hour Fargo, North Dakota
Nov. 12 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution Detroit, Michigan
Nov. 13 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Food Distribution Charleston
Nov. 13 – Drive Through Veterans Appreciation Event Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Nov. 13 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution Denver, Colorado
Nov. 19 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Mobile Food Distribution San Antonio, Texas
Nov. 20 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Food Distribution Atlanta, Georgia
Nov. 20 – Soldiers’ Angels Veteran Food Distribution Orlando, Florida*We’re adding more every day – check the events page often!VIEW ALL EVENTS Find a VA Facility near you. FACILITY LOCATOR Not sure where to start? VA WELCOME KITAre You a Veteran in Crisis or Concerned About One? Did you know that VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the country? Make the Connection Resource LocatorContact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255.)No Veteran Should Be Without a Place to Call HomeFree Help for Homeless Veterans Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless and at-risk Veterans Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends https://www.va.gov/homeless for more information Don’t know what number to call?1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is never the wrong number Have a concern, compliment, or recommendation for VA? Call the White House VA Hotline at 1-855-948-2311 Want to receive this newsletter or other VA updates?

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

You have received this message because you are subscribed to Veterans Affairs. Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe. Get this as a forward? Sign Up to receive updates from Veterans Affairs. Having questions or problems? Please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com for assistance. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-8255 and (PRESS 1) or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. Please remember the only secure way to ask personal questions is at https://iris.custhelp.com.

Vet Info joins up with Coast Guard Aux. and American Legion to distribute food for the Veterans

Team Vet Info join forces with the American Legion and Coast Guard Aux. to help feed Veterans in South Florida!

10/24 – Vet Info joined up with the Coast Guard Aux. and the American Legion to help distribute food to Veterans and Family members in the South Florida Area. Families received such needed items like milk, chicken, cheese, fruit and fresh vegetables. Many other groups who support the veterans attended to help distribute information and food like Geico, The State Attorney’s Office, and HealthCare Plus just to name a few. Julio Garcia who is part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary worked many hard hours to make this event a Great Success and one of South Florida’s TOP Annual Veterans Events.

Reopen the Veterans Woodshop in Lyons NJ

By Veteran Wood Co.

Link back to sign the Petition – https://www.change.org/p/reopen-the-veterans-woodshop-in-lyons-nj

Veteran Wood Co. started this petition to Department of Veterans Affairs

The woodshop at the VA (Veterans Affairs) Hospital in Lyons NJ has been shutdown since the paid instructor retired last year. The equipment is just sitting there, collecting dust, not the good kind!

I, along with several other local Veteran woodworkers, have agreed to volunteer our time and re-open the wood-shop program to assist in the healing of our fellow Veterans. We need to show the Director of the Lyons VA facility the support, need, and POWER that woodworking has.

Those with depression, PTSD, substance abuse problems or other issues can use woodworking to change their lives, even if it’s in a small way. I am asking several companies to donate the startup and consumable materials needed to lessen the financial burden on the Director’s budget, because after all, shutting down the program was to save money.

I have made it my mission to reopen the woodshop on a volunteer basis and give back to my brothers and sisters who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. I plan on dedicating two to three days a week overseeing the wood-shop and all its related operations. I have an extensive network of fellow Veteran Woodworkers across the north east who have expressed interest in assisting me with manpower and volunteering.

I am asking for your commitment to the Veteran Community. Can I bring your support to the Director and show him the desire and need for this program?

Thank you!

Michael Legregni
Veteran Wood Co.

www.VeteranWoodCo.com

Social Security COLA Set at 1.3 Percent for 2021

Small boost to monthly benefits starting in January due to low inflation

by John Waggoner, AARP, October 13, 2020

En español | The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Oct. 13 that its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 1.3 percent, an average boost to retirement benefits of about $20 per month for individuals starting in January.

The modest gain for monthly benefits is the latest in a decade of meager COLA increases. Social Security COLAs have averaged a 1.65 percent increase annually the past decade, with no increase at all to benefits in 2016. The increase that went into effect in January 2020 was 1.6 percent.

“Today’s announcement of a 1.3 percent COLA increase — while modest — is needed to help Social Security beneficiaries and their families try to keep up with rising costs,” says AARP Chief Executive Officer Jo Ann Jenkins. “The guaranteed benefits provided by Social Security and the COLA increase are more crucial than ever as millions of Americans continue to face the one-two punch of the coronavirus’s health and economic consequences. In fact, thanks to recently enacted changes supported by AARP to lower the Medicare premium for next year, more seniors will at least see a small monthly COLA.”

Why so low?

COLAs have been low because inflation has been tame. The annual COLA is based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year. The CPI-W represents the prices paid by workers for a basket of goods and services. It is not based on a market basket that reflects what retirees purchase — the CPI-E — which represents a market basket that better reflects retiree spending, such as higher costs for health care.

This year’s COLA calculation looks at the average CPI-W index numbers for July, August and September of 2019 and compares them with the numbers for the same three-month span in 2020. The percentage change between the two quarterly averages is the COLA for the following year starting in January. If there’s no change, or if there’s a decline in the CPI-W, there’s no increase in Social Security benefits.

Since Congress initiated automatic annual COLAs in 1975, there have been three years in which benefits didn’t increase at all: 2010, 2011 and 2016. The single biggest increase, 14.3 percent, went into effect in January 1981.

Social Security is funded by a payroll tax of 12.4 percent on eligible wages — employees pay 6.2 percent and employers pay the other 6.2 percent (with self-employed workers paying the entire 12.4 percent). Next year, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will increase to $142,800 from $137,700. The money paid in by today’s workers goes to cover current benefits, with any excess going into the Social Security trust fund.

Because of the growing number of Social Security beneficiaries — and, in part, a decrease in payroll taxes collected because of pandemic-driven job losses — the Social Security system is facing increased stress. In their annual report, Social Security’s trustees estimated that the trust fund for retired workers and their survivors will run short of money in 2034. A more pessimistic forecast from the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the reserves in the trust fund for retired workers and their survivors will be depleted in 2031. Even at that point, over three-quarters of benefits could still be paid out from incoming payroll taxes.

See the Rest of the Story at AARP WEBSITE

Gulf War R.A.C. meeting March 10th.

VA Expanding Caregiver Support

VA Hiring Nurses in VISN 8 area.

Help the fight against Covid – 19

Founder Desert Storm Veteran Bill Meets Southern Command – Commander – Admiral Faller

Nation Wide Veteran’s Day Offers

VA announces 100+ Events for Nov. for the Veterans

VA Announces over 100 Activities and Events for Veterans During November.

Vet Info joins up with Coast Guard Aux. and American Legion to distribute food for the Veterans

Reopen the Veterans Woodshop in Lyons NJ

SeaWorld Orlando – Free Tickets for Veterans

Doral, FL – Father’s Day Fishing BBQ at Southern Command

Lake Nona Veterans Jiu-Jitsu Club

Grit and Lipstick

Costa del Sol to Offer 50% Discount on Green Fees and Range Balls