Did You Know?                  Arizona was the third state last (April 15, 2013) week to pass legislation that eases veterans' entry into the licensed and professional fields. H.B. 2076 -- which passed unanimously in the state's senate and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Janice Brewer -- will make it easier for veterans with combat medical training to gain Licensed Professional Nursing certification. Essentially, H.B. 2076 will allow medical training obtained in the military to count as the civilian equivalent for training required to become a Licensed Professional Nurse. The bill also will streamline the process of obtaining a temporary nursing license for veterans. Members of the American Legion wanting to know the status of similar legislation in their states, or who want to assist in these efforts or provide updates of what efforts are occurring in their states should email Steve Gonzalez of the Legion's Economic Division at sgonzalez@legion.org.                   Tax Deduction         Disabled Veterans may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund based on: an increase in the Veteran's percentage of disability from the Veteran's Administration (which may include a retroactive determination) or the combat-disabled Veteran applying for, and being granted, Combat-Related Special Compensation, after an award for Concurrent Retirement and Disability. To do so, the disabled Veteran will need to file an amended return, Form 1040X, to correct a previously filed Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Disabled Veterans should include all documents from VA and any information received from Defense Finance and Accounting Services explaining proper tax treatment for the current year.              Free Online Life Skills Training           Moving Forward is a free, on-line educational and life coaching program that teaches Problem Solving skills to help you to better handle life’s challenges. It is designed to be especially helpful for Veterans, Military Service Members and their families. However, Moving Forward teaches skills that can be useful to anyone with stressful problems. Are you ready to Move Forward? Select the button below to take the Moving Forward Training.            Moving Forward was built by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mental Health Services in partnership with the Department of Defense National Center for Telehealth and Technology as part of a coordinated public health initiative to help Veterans and Service Members who are having difficulties. This free educational and life coaching program is based on a highly effective cognitive behavioral treatment program that has been used successfully with Veterans across the country.                American Legion Grant           The American Legion has committed $1 million to assist veterans and their families whose homes were devastated by the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. The Legion, in partnership with Soldier's Wish, is currently on-site in Moore talking to veterans to ensure they receive the available emergency assistance. To ask for assistance, (1) call The American Legion hotline at (800)-504-4098; (2) visit Legionnaires at the Home Depot in Moore in front of the Soldier's Wish/American Legion trailer. Veterans are encouraged to visit and seek assistance. The address is 650 S.W. 19th St.; and (3) visit American Legion Post 88 in Norman, Okla. The post is distributing food, clothing, diapers, toys, dog/cat food and WalMart gift cards. The address is 710 E. Main Street. Also, visit the American Legion's donation page to donate directly to victims in Oklahoma.           High School Diploma   DMAVA and the department of education jointly launched a program on October 5, 2002 to honor world war two era veterans who left school to join the military and have never received a high school diploma. This program will award a state-endorsed high school diploma to any New Jersey veteran who left a New Jersey high school to enter military service during world war two. The program was later expanded to include veterans from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.        Interest Free Loan   The Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma’s Veterans Recoverable Loan Project is providing Yuma County veterans with interest-free, short-term loans for emergent needs, such as trips to the VA Hospital, school expenses, medical emergencies and deposits for housing and utilities.  Call 602-381-1400 for details.

What Every Veteran Should Carry                         No longer will you have to carry around your DD Form 214 as proof of your military service.  The Veteran ID Card will quickly establish you as a veteran, along with other essential benefits.  More... Veteran ID Card

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