Veterans Day

9 November 2022

In conjunction with the end of The Great War, now called World War I, on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson expressed his feelings toward those who had fought in the war.  It was not until 1926 that the Congress requested that President Calvin Coolidge make November 11 a legal, federal holiday called Armistice Day.

Clarifications

Often you will see the holiday printed with an apostrophe, however, the official word is that “it is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans,” per the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Day honors the service that anyone has rendered in the military.  Memorial Day honors those who have died during military service.  Armed Forces Day recognizes those who are currently serving in any of the branches of the military.  A growing force is Women Veterans Day that calls attention to their service.

Benefits

There are quite a few benefits to serving in the military.  Following is a list of advantages.  Check with  Veterans Affairs since some may apply only to active members.

  • GI Bill provides educational benefits. The post 9/11 version allows unused benefits to be transferred to a spouse or dependent child.
  • Home Loans require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and when granted can be used to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home.
  • Insurance options are available for those separated from the service.
  • Disability compensation for military service connected conditions.
  • Small business support and the ability to register for to conduct business with the VA.
  • Pensions are available for those who served during wartime and qualify under the program.
  • Help with activities of daily living or for those housebound is available for those receiving a monthly pension.

If your end of life plans include wishing to be buried in a national cemetery, you need to apply for eligibility.  This can also make that difficult time a bit easier for those you leave behind.

There are some benefits that have a restriction placed regarding the time you have to file when separating from the service or retiring.  These include

  • Pre-discharge disability
  • Converting life insurance
  • Counseling for career or education
  • VA health care
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

Spouses, dependents, survivors, and caregivers may also qualify for benefits.  Check out your ability to take advantage of:

  • Health care under CHAMPVA, TRICARE, or other programs.
  • Education and training is available through the Survivors’ and Dependants’ fund, Chapter 35, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, and the opportunities to transfer unused post 9/11 veteran benefits. This can include counseling and career advice.
  • Similar to benefits for the veteran, many dependants can take advantage of home loan programs, life insurance, burial in a VA cemetery, and compensation from pension or other benefits.

If you are a caregiver to a veteran, check into the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/) and General Caregiver Support Services (https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Care_Caregivers.asp).

The Lighter Side

Check out the discounts available during November for free admission and discounted tickets at the Corning Museum of Glass, Granger Homestead, Historic Palmyra, and Strong National Museum of the Play.

Cobtree Vacation Rental Resort, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Savannah House, and the Vineyard Inn offer discounts, which make it easy for a staycation or pre-holiday getaway.  Shopping at the Roseland Water Park or the Waterloo Premium Outlets offer discounts and special pricing.

Take advantage of the 10% and 15% discounts at Americana Winery, Billsboro Winery, and King Ferry Winery.

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