Aidpage

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR OUR MILITARY HEROS AND THEIR FAMILIES,  free help for national guard families , those in active service ,and veterans ;financial help , assistance with medical needs , day-to-day living challenges , food , dealing with loss , education , and more as it is found. 

 

  

 

*  “The soldier above all others prays for peace,for it is the soldier who must suffer  and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war “
 –Douglas MacArthur  *

 

 

06/18/09

Don't through away your expired coupons ! 

Did you know that some military commisaries accept expired coupons ? 

The following link tells all about how to send them , where to send them , and more:

http://www.ocpnet.org/

 

 

 

 05/25/09

More information and perks for military and family members . Scroll down a bit for the links.

http://blissfullydomestic.com/default/whats-going-on-in-the-military-world-week-of-may-25th/

 

 

5/23/09

HERE'S TO THE HEROS  ! ! !

Budweiser is honored to salute the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Throughout 2009, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter any one of Anheuser-Busch's SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission.

For your service and sacrifice, we thank you.

    http://www.herosalute.com/states/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05/22/09

 

PLEASE remember our veterans this weekend. Freedom is highly valued in our country and we have many veterans from many different wars for that freedom. If you know a veteran , give them a pat on the back or a hug and a high 5 and tell them how much what they have done means to you.

 

Here is a quote and a site link that help veterans sort out what type of organization to use for thier assistance :

"What Does a Veteran Service Organization Do?

  Veteran Service Organizations exist to serve you and support your specific needs. Whether you are interested in reconnecting with your branch of service, networking with other veterans who share your disability, maximizing your VA benefits, learning more about current legislation or even researching the many programs in place to get you involved in recreation or employment. With histories dating back to many of America’s wars, and proven track records for putting veterans first, the following organizations, as well as a host of other local, regional and national VSO’s put the needs of the disabled veteran first."

http://www.disaboom.com/Living/militarylife/Veteran-Service-Organizations-Offer-Veteran-Support.aspx

 

 

 

Do you have a loved one in the military that is injured and in a military medical facility ? Here is something that may help you visit them :

 

"Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment."

 

For more about Fisher House , go here :

 http://www.fisherhouse.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/03/09

A stimulus check should be coming to veterans who qualify . Here is a quote and a link for more qualifying information :

"As part of the President’s Recovery plan, VA will also make one-time payments of $250 to eligible Veterans and survivors to mitigate the effects of the current economy.  These payments will be issued as early as June 2009.  VA estimates $700 million in payments will be made to eligible beneficiaries as part of this measure.

To be eligible for the $250 payment, VA beneficiaries must have received compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), or spina bifida benefits at any time between November 2008 and January 2009.  Also, beneficiaries must reside within the United States or Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. No application is necessary.  VA will use its existing payment records to determine eligibility for the $250 payment."

 

http://www.disabled-world.com/news/veterans/va-spending.php

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1/27/09

Are you a veteran or in a veteran's family ? Then you MUST check out this page by a fellow Aidmate ! Thank you Elaine of TSA for yet another great heads up !

http://davnashville.aidpage.com/about.htm

 

 

 

01/24/09

  "New" information( a new resource) about military and social security issues :

Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors - SSA Publication No. 05-10030, August 2007, ICN 456098
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10030.html

Social Security Expedites Survivors and Disability Applications for Military Service Members
http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/memorial-day2007-pr.htm

 

11/11/08

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SPECIAL MEALS FROM APPLEBEE'S !!!!!!!!!!

Select Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants (164 participating restaurants nationwide) are testing a promotion that invites all active duty and veterans to pull up a chair for a delicious meal and heartfelt thanks this Veterans Day. With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans will eat free at participating locations on Veterans Day (November 11, 2008) during regular business hours.

Veterans and active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to go to one of the participating Applebee's and select one complimentary entrée from a selection of delicious favorites: a savory House Sirloin, hearty Riblet Basket, zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken®, a juicy Quesadilla Burger or fresh Oriental Chicken Salad. All the traditional sides are included.

CHECK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR LOCAL APPLEBEE'S IS PARTICIPATING :

 

http://www.applebees.com/VeteransDay.html 

 

 

 

 

 

10/08/08

Here are some free military-themed printables , just for fun and support :

http://www.militaryprintable.com/

 

 

 

 

06/21/08

Free camp for children with parents in military service !

OPERATION PURPLE

"These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children. The program aims to help military kids experience carefree fun while also learning coping skills to deal with war-related stress and fostering relationships with others who know what they are going through."

http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=op_default?&from_www.operationpurple.org

 

 

 

 

 

06/02/08

This is very important information for the mental health of our military heros . Nothing should keep people from seeking help for their health , mental or physical .

The following consists of excerpts from the article . To read the complete article , follow the link at the end of the excerpts.

 

E-News from Washington Vol. 08-21 May 9, 2008 Department of Defense Announces New Policy on Disclosure of Mental Health Treatment

.........................On May 1, 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that military personnel will no longer have to disclose any service-related mental health treatment they have received when they apply for security clearance. The security question, referred to as “Question 21,” has been an obstacle to members of the military seeking mental health care. ..........

 

..........................Previously, military personnel and others applying for the clearance who had sought treatment for PTSD and other mental disorders had to respond “yes” and provide details of the treatment. . In 2007, a report by the Army’s inspector general found that soldiers were hesitant to seek treatment because they worried about losing their security clearances .........

.........................In addition, an April 2008 report released by Rand Corporation found that approximately 20 percent, or 300,000, of service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan report symptoms of PTSD or major depression, but only slightly more than half have sought treatment. This survey and others have shown that a major reason service members do not get help is the fear that it will harm their careers. ................................

...........................“It’s time for leaders of all stripes to step forward,” adding, “You can’t expect a private or a specialist to be willing to seek counseling when his or her captain or colonel or general won’t do it.” .......................

E-News from Washington is provided for informational purposes only by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Beth Powell Director, Public Policy and Professional Issues American Mental Health Counselors Association The only organization working exclusively for mental health counselors 801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 304 Alexandria, VA 22314

 Website: www.amhca.org

 

 

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06/02/08- Another wonderful source from Elaine of TSA

Here is a very important organization . I have quoted quite alot from their site because it is so crucial that we pay attention to what they have to offer :"REALifelines for Injured Vets

Recovery, Respect, and Success for Injured US Veterans

Our Mission Since 2004, REALifelines has been dedicated to providing our nation's injured veterans with a return to civilian life that respects their sacrifices and honors their right to live full, productive lives. We understand that injured US veterans want to contribute to society with the same dedication they showed as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Our promise is to work tirelessly to meet that objective for you, and for every injured veteran. Real Help, Right Now Click on the links to the right to learn about the assistance programs, employment opportunities, and awareness initiatives that are meeting the needs of injured US veterans and their families. Provide a REALifeline If you represent a company, non-profit, small business, or similar organization interested in improving the lives of injured veterans and their families, please contact the federal Director for Veterans' Employment and Training (DVET) in your state"

How to contact the DVET ?

Simple !  Go here :

 

http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/realifelines/One_on_One_map.asp

 

 

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 05/08/08

This site is from the BBB . They include helpful  links for all areas of the armed forces .

 http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=3d3286aa-873a-4584-8e73-3b222088ef62

 

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04/08 April

April is Military Month for children . Here is a page with TONS of resources for military  parents and their young children

http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_military

 

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04/20/08

Do you have a son or daughter in the Marines ? Show your pride ! Here is a page that will help you.

http://parents.marines.com/page/ParentsForm.jsp

 

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03/24/08

If you are currently in the position to help financially ,  here is a good place to put your money. This is a special kit for spiritual guidance :

http://give2.ccci.org/featured/rdk-ct/

 

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"Operation Happy Note

 is a volunteer effort to send musical instruments to our deployed service men and women throughout the world.

Steve and Barb Baker from Fergus Music started Operation Happy Note after their son was deployed to Iraq. They had sent him a guitar and then a buddy wanted one.

These soldiers were so pleased with having these instruments over there that Steve and Barb wanted to find a way to get more instruments to our troops, hence “Operation Happy Note”.

Since March of 2005 we have sent hundreds of instruments including guitars, mandolins, banjos, violins, harmonicas, and accessories. Steve also wrote a lesson program with CD for those who don’t know how to play.

“We can’t stop now!” says Barb, just because her son is now back home with his family. There are just too many requests that keep coming in, these soldiers need the joy that music brings to them."

http://www.operationhappynote.com/index.phpid=1

 

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This is a refreshing organization to find , and it is much needed . It is for military in Afganistan and Iraq : 

 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America  is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans. IAVA is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any groups other than our sister (c)4, IAVA ACTIN FUND.

http://www.iava.org/for-oif/oef-vets

 

 

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 Are you a member of the military who has to leave a much loved pet ? Here is an organization that will help .

 

A NationWide & Global network of Individual Foster Homes that will house, nurture and care for
the dogs, cats, birds, horses and all other pets for all the Military personnel Only.
(Foster: to give temporary nurture, care and shelter.)

As of April, 2002 ALL the Pets of the Military are now classified as "Part Of The Family"! "-A quote from the site. To access the program , go here :

https://www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php

 

 

 

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FOR VETERANS AND THOSE IN THE MILITARY CONSIDERING CIVILIAN LIFE This is another wonderful resource courtesy of Elaine of TSA. Transitions from military to civilian life are made smoother with the assistance of the Veterans Resource Central . They provide everything at a very low cost or free to veterans and their families.

 

Veterans Resource Central

 The VRC provides information
and guidance to veterans transitioning to civilian life, to military families challenged by life
issues at home, as well as to active duty individuals considering civilian careers. We introduce
veterans to a network of community business leaders many of whom are veterans, family
members of veterans or who just care about veterans and want to help you with your transition.

. The goal of VRC, a Pennsylvania-based, non-profit organization, is to
help returning veterans adjust to civilian life and discover appropriate career options. We have
consolidated many resources in a central clearinghouse and continue to incorporate additional
resources.

Our Services

VRC combines technology and people helping people. The support VRC provides veterans is at
a low or no cost to them. Through our partners, we provide the following services:

• Career planning
• Job placement
• Business start up
• Family support
• Peer-to-peer assistance and support
• Stress management consulting
• Financial advice and counseling
• Career networking

 

http://www.veteransresourcecentral.org/index.shtml

 

 

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THE SOCIETY OF MILITARY WIDOWS (SMW) was founded in 1968 by Theresa (Tess) Alexander to serve the interests of women whose husbands died while on active military duty, of a service-connected illness, or during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces 

http://www.militarywidows.org/

 

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A site called "Ancient Mariners and Forgotten Soldiers" . This has poems , memories and stories , as well as links by and for america's military

http://www.jacksjoint.com/military.htm

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Living a life with disabilities , I sometimes need mental health counseling. I imagine that in the armed forces , you also would find times that working on your mental health would be crucial to living a full life. Here is a great program for free counseling. ( ANOTHER HIGH FIVE FOR ELAINE OF TSA FOR THIS ONE !) 

http://www.giveanhour.org/cms/index.php

 

 

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Here is a special kit , including a DVD , for the children of those that are being deployed . This is free.

http://www.sesameworkshop.org/tlc/