Summer's End: AWESOME EBSD for Homeless Vets (9/11 to 9/14/14)!!

Posted:  9 Jun 14

1.  Purposes

To give you a "heads-up" and reminder that the amazing East Bay Stand Down (ESBD) is coming again, 9/11/THU through 9/14/14/SUN -- plus a week before (set-up) and a week after (tear down). (Facebook)

To announce a fundraiser for TODAY, from 5 to 9 pm -- in San Ramon (flyer below). (Sorry for the short notice.  I didn't receive the included announcement, at the end of this bulletin, in time -- but it's an excellent excuse to begin alerting you.)

Volunteer registration begins on 1 July 14 -- Be sure to sign up as soon as possible.  These coveted positions fill fast. You've got to see this to believe it.  The registration form will be posted on the website a little before then.  I'll let you know when the form becomes available.

2.  Background

Every two years, this happens at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.  Thousands (civilian and military) eagerly volunteer to help (including me, in 2010 and 2012).  Many hundreds of veterans-in-distress (and their little families) live there for four days in huge tents and have virtually ALL of their life-needs met, for rapid resumption of normal, productive lives.

It is such a beautiful, compassionate thing to witness and be a part of -- and it works! You should see the smiles on all the faces during the whole thing.  And hear the success stories rolling back.  You'd be proud of your nation at this further proof of the great goodness of her people.  It sure gives my spirits a huge lift which lasts me and warms my heart until the next such eagerly anticipated, privileged event.

What it's Like!

My own actual experiences 

For the  2010 and 2012 events, I published after-action reports to describe some of what I saw and got to do.

In the Organizers' Own Words

"While its primary goal is helping homeless Veterans access the resources needed, including housing, to regain their highest level of independence; its secondary goal is to bring our community and service providers together in a collaborative format that can build relationships throughout the year that positively benefit homeless Veterans. 

Ultimately, it is our hope that such events can bring forth the awareness, political/community will and consistent data necessary to assert the on-going resources it will take to end Veteran homelessness once and for all.

More...

3.  Requested Actions

1. Please attend tonight's fundraiser, if you can
2. Please volunteer, if you can (as soon after 30 June as you can)
3. Please mark your calendars (1 July and second week of September)
4. Please keep an eye out for chances to help the cause -- wasted lives need not be.  We all matter to the Great Human Chain-Reaction.
5. Hope to see you there (if I can get in, again).

David Nelson

The VA's declared goal is 
to END veteran homelessness, ENTIRELY,

by 2015!

=====================================================================

All Original Content © 2014, The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement. When you can, I'd be grateful to learn how you might have found this to be useful.

VETERANS REPORT -- 11/26/12 Newsletter

Veterans Report is the most comprehensive newsletter available to help Veterans stay current on benefits changes, learn about important legislation, get great discounts, and use the benefits earned in service. Make sure that you and your colleagues subscribe for this free update publication.

-------------------------------- 26 NOVEMBER 2012-------------------------------------------
 

TRICARE Rx Fee Hike Decision Looming

VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties

Deal of the Week: Veterans Save Up to 50%

Most Veterans Still Unaware of Benefits

$500k Coverage Starting at $1.50 a Day

Marijuana Use Still Illegal

GM Wall of Service Sweeps: Win a Chevy Camaro

Applying for VA Benefits

Tinnitus Affecting Veterans

Featured Job: Parker Hannifin Is Hiring

New Navy Lodge Breaks Ground

Grants to End Veteran Homelessness

Get a List of Your Military Benefits

Toys for Tots Kicks Off Season

Pitney Bowes Vet Jobs Website

Army Docs Reevaluate More PTSD Cases

Fed Warns Mortgage Lenders

New Vet Jobs Website in Georgia

Navy Moves Forward with Transition GPS

House Holds Vet Jobs Hearing

Texas Study Seeks Returning Veterans

VA Celebrates Rural Health Day

Print and Post This Week's Veterans Report

Headline Military News

   
TRICARE Rx Fee Hike Decision Looming
Congress is set to decide how much military pharmacy fees will be raised in 2013 in the next few weeks. More

   
VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2012. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. More

Deal of the Week: Veterans Save Up to 50%
All Vets get up to 50% off on Gifts, Outdoor, Lifestyle, Golf, Watches, Knives, Sunglasses, Hunting and Apparel on GovX.com! More

   
Most Veterans Still Unaware of Benefits
More than half of America's veterans say they have little or no understanding of the benefits due them. More

   
$500k Coverage Starting at $1.50 a Day
Is VGLI too much? Need more coverage? ASMBA offers military service members and their family quality coverage for less. More

Marijuana Use Still Illegal
Colorado voted to legalize marijuana, but its use is still against federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, even for servicemembers stationed in or visiting the state. More

GM Wall of Service Sweeps: Win a Chevy Camaro
General Motors is the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history and we remain dedicated to supporting America's heroes. More

Applying for VA Benefits
You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are a veteran; surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased Veteran; servicemember; or reservist or National Guard member. More

Tinnitus Affecting Veterans
A recent report from the VA revealed more than 10 percent of all veteran disability claims in fiscal year of 2011 were due to tinnitus, an early sign of hearing loss. More

Featured Job: Parker Hannifin Is Hiring
Explore working for a company who is the leader in motion and control technologies. More

New Navy Lodge Breaks Ground
Navy Lodge Little Creek - Fort Story, Va., recently held a ground-breaking ceremony Nov. 19 for its 11,000 square foot, 26-room expansion. More

Grants to End Veteran Homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program helps to end homelessness. More

Get a List of Your Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. More

Toys for Tots Kicks Off Season
Toys for Tots is kicking off its Christmas season at in cities around the country. More

Pitney Bowes Vet Jobs Website
Pitney Bowes Inc. announced today that it has set up a special website targeted at military veterans so that they can more easily find work at the company. More

Army Docs Reevaluate More PTSD Cases
A review of behavioral health diagnoses at Madigan Army Medical Center ended with Army doctors changing more than half of the cases they evaluated. More

Fed Warns Mortgage Lenders
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau recently put mortgage lenders on watch for potentially misleading advertising directed toward veterans. More

New Vet Jobs Website in Georgia
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and the Governor's Office of Workforce Development recently launched a website to help returning veterans find jobs. More

Navy Moves Forward with Transition GPS
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. Navy has unveiled a program for sailors transitioning from active-duty. More

House Holds Vet Jobs Hearing
The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently held a hearing on helping unemployed veterans find employment. More

Texas Study Seeks Returning Veterans
Researchers are currently looking for returning combat Veterans with PTSD to participate in a study testing a new medication in conjunction with exposure therapy. More

VA Celebrates Rural Health Day
The VA Office of Rural Health celebrated the second annual National Rural Health Day, which spotlights the health care needs of those living in rural communities More

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Update: 9/26/12/Wed -- For more information about the magnificent achievements being realized, continuously, under the auspices of the US Department of Veterans affairs, please see this blog article, entitled, "SERVING THE HEROES ONCE AGAIN!!!"

Posted:  9/24/12/Mon


1.  PURPOSE

To call to your attention, a declared intention of the Veterans Administration, to end homelessness within three years.


2.  DISCUSSION

The following invaluable information was presented, on behalf of all veterans in life-crises, by the reputable website, "Military.com."

TRICARE | Military Pay | Discounts | GI Bill Calculator | Military Transition

VA Aims to End Vet Homelessness by 2015

Week of September 24, 2012

• The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed to ending veteran homelessness by 2015. 

• If you are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, there are resources to help. 

• For more information, visit VA's Homeless Veterans website at www.va.gov/homeless/ or contact 1-877-4AID-VET.

• For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center. 

3.  IMPLICATION

This is great news for society!  Even if the VA only comes close to achieving this astounding goal, our fellow humans, in life-crises, will be well-served.



4.  REQUESTED ACTION

• a.  Please check out the various links on this page, just in case you can help.

• b.  Please acquaint yourself with the program, at least enough to be able to advise any homeless person you may encounter.  It just might make all the difference to their world.

• c.  Please do what you can to help.

• d.  Passing the word would be a BIG HELP, in itself.

Respectfully,

David Nelson

SERVING THE HEROES ONCE AGAIN!!!

Posted:  23 Sep 12

Update: 26 Sept 12
Please also see reference #5, added below, concerning the declared intention of the US Department of Veterans Affairs "to end Vet homelessness by 2015!"



1.  PURPOSE

To inform you about a remarkable event that occurs in our midst, every two years.


2.  BACKGROUND

• During a 4-day period, from 13 to 16 September 2012, another great "East Bay Stand-Down" was conducted on the Alameda County Fairgrounds, in Pleasanton, California. 
• In a nutshell, this awesome event involves busing-in of nearly 1000 veterans in crises, to live in a tent city, specially constructed for their benefit, during their 4-day & 3-night stay.
• Virtually, their every imaginable need is attended to -- such that they receive a "fresh new start" in the race of life.  And, it works, big-time.   Years later, many reinvigorated veterans return as volunteers for this event, "to give back."  (The great human chain-reaction continues, in all its full and glorious display.)
• Nearly 1000 volunteers from all walks of life donate themselves to this cause -- and come away, recharged with the lasting and deep inspiration of having helped others, while seeing and revealing the best in themselves.  Helping still feels good and volunteerism has always been an important national fuel -- it's very interesting what happens when freedom is at work.
• Smiles abounded in every face and eye.  
• The announcement for this latest event is included as Reference #1, below.

3.  REFERENCES

Previous Blog Articles and a New Link on This Topic

1. SERVING VETS: EAST BAY STAND DOWN 13 - 16 Sep 2012 -- announced this 2012 past event
2. US Department of Veterans Affairs, Website Page: "Homeless Vets," -- National Stand-Down Schedule
3. HEROES: Speaking of Heroes! "EAST BAY STAND-DOWN" Strikes a Mighty Blow! -- My Synopsis of the Last Event, 2010
4. HEROES: To help save this world, we need EVERY HERO we can get & 211 -- Quick and Easy Things We Can Do to Help Fellow Humans -- Veterans and Civilians, alike
5. VA AIMS TO END VET HOMELESSNESS by 2015!!! -- a new find, since this article was first posted

4.  THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THESE STAND-DOWNS

The US Department of Veterans Affairs says it best:

• Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to provide services to homeless veterans.  
• Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless Veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment.  
• Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless.
• The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans in San Diego.  Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless Veterans, reaching more than 200,000 Veterans and their family members between 1994-2000.
• The national schedule can be viewed at the link provided as Reference #2, above, and which was the source of the above quote.  It is noted that the largest of these events, "The East Bay Stand-down" was inadvertently excluded and is being brought to the attention of the DVA.

5.  MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS

• I was privileged to be accepted as a volunteer, for the second time.  I plan to never miss these, for as long as I am able -- they are that delightful!  While all the jobs are pleasing, last time, I was fortunate to guard the gate near the cooking tent (very fattening, though).  This time, I got to drive the golf carts, ferrying Vets and Volunteers all over the place.  I've been lucky to be assigned to such cushy jobs.
• A description of my experiences at this biennial event, last held in 2010, is contained in the blog article, reference #3, above -- and still applies, except that...
• This time, it was even better.  Partly due to my eager anticipation, I'm sure.  Partly due to the fact that they keep being diligently refined, in light of growing experience.  Yet, they already seemed to be perfection to my eyes.  
• You really should check out reference #3, in order to begin to understand how beautifully planned and executed these vastly important events truly are.  YOU WILL BE EVEN PROUDER TO HAVE BEEN BORN INTO THIS GREAT HUMAN SPECIES OF OURS!

6.  AN IMPORTANT SIDE-BAR

Non-Veterans are not forgotten, either.  
Just remembered in a different way.

Please see reference #4, for quick and easy measures at our fingertips.  

Given a chance, everyone can be a hero, 
because that's just the way we are!!

Respectfully,

David Nelson

All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

SERVING VETS: EAST BAY STAND DOWN 13 - 16 Sep 2012

09/11/12 Update:  No more volunteers needed, but thank  you.  I'll try to write another summary for you on this year's event, once it's over.  I'll try to take photos this time.  It is such an inspiring thing to see and know about yet another thing that is going on to make our world even better. All it takes is for people of good will to TRY to do good things.  What better thing can we do, than to leave our world far better than we found it?

First published : 8/7/12
This is a crude "screen-grab" of the first page of the organizing website for this event.  An earlier blog-posting -- entitled "HEROES: Speaking of Heroes!  "EAST BAY STAND-DOWN" Strikes a Mighty Blow!" -- gives a personal account of this wonderful event.  If you are interested in volunteering, please note the 31 August deadline, referred to below.

Helping Veterans in Nine Bay Area Counties

Follow Us

	Plans are coming together! EBSD 2012 will be September 13 - 16, 2012 Alameda County Fairgrounds Next Meeting August 21, 2012, 6pm Danville Veterans Memorial Bldg 400 Hartz Ave, 2nd Floor Danville We appreciate all our wonderful Volunteers! Our Volunteer Registration Site is OPEN No Walk-In Volunteers Can Be Accepted This Year. All Volunteers MUST Register By August 31, 2012. EBSD 2012 Tri-Fold to Hand Out to Your Organizations! EBSD 2010 Daily Newsletters: Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday EBSD Videos http://cbs5.com/video/?id=68040@kpix.dayport.com http://cbs5.com/video/?id=68006@kpix.dayport.com http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=92280 EBSD Photos 2010 2008 2006 http://www.flickr.com/photos/myarmyreserve/sets/72157624673779570/	Executive Boardfor EBSD 2012 Denver Mills, Chair Jerry Yahiro, Director Jason Deitch, Program Mike Weber, Logistics Skip Benz Martin De Venuta Barbara Droher-Kline George Gibbs Dan Helix Ron Hyde Nathan Johnson Ron Lowe Cindy Pieslak Laura Rigney Capt. Tara Vaughn

Tag: "Homelessness, Veterans Admin, HEROES, Human Crises"

HEROES: Speaking of Heroes! "EAST BAY STAND-DOWN" Strikes a Mighty Blow!

Posted:  1 Jul 12

Brought forward: 7 Feb 13 -- (to raise awareness and, perhaps, to help inspire more volunteerism, consistent with Pittsburg Mayor Nancy Parent's 2013 theme -- next EBSD event will be 2014 -- but many others are awaiting our help, now)

EAST BAY STAND-DOWN!
A Very Big Humane Act That Makes One Even Prouder to Be Human

I didn't hear of this magnificent event, the "East Bay Stand-Down," until two years ago, when I had the privilege of volunteering and seeing for myself.  The inspiration carries a long way -- I can't wait to do it again.  Here is the Google-link which accesses their website (and a whole lot more).  And here is the direct link to the actual site, which says it all, much better than I ever could -- but, I needed to add a personal testimony (a work-in-progress, with more to be added, as circumstances permit -- just didn't want to hold off telling, until I perfected my statement).  Maybe you'll help pass the word?

THE 2010 STORY 

Every two years, toward the end of summer, the Alameda County Fairgrounds is taken over by more than 1,000 professionals and us "ordinary" volunteers -- under auspices of the Veteran's Admistration.   Denver Mills, the dynamic leader of the Concord Vet Center, orchestrates and energizes this HUGE, compassionate undertaking, masterfully.

NOTE:  This is not unique to the East Bay.  It is a Veterans Affairs system-wide service, as can be seen at this link.  We are blessed to belong to a compassionate nation.  You'll note a glaring over-sight not to see the Eastbay event listed there -- but, believe me, it happens like clockwork -- and here is their local site to prove it.  (We're working to correct the record)

A TINY GLIMPSE AT ITS PURPOSES

It is a way to save the human future -- nearly 1,000 struggling veterans (usually homeless) at a time.  I know it's sad to have to exclude anyone, when you consider that EVERYONE has much value -- and EVERYONE who stumbles is worthy of the effort it takes to get them sorted out.  But the Veterans Administration has to stay focused -- and is counting on others to take care of the rest of our people (like passing the word TO EVERYONE IN CRISES about dialing "211" to begin their rescue process).  We all should know about this -- because it's a beautiful, inspiring story which shows what is being done -- AND WHAT CAN BE DONE -- to make a HUGE difference.  

THEY THINK OF EVERYTHING

Huge tents, equipment, and supplies are set up, everywhere.  Then, hundreds of veterans, down on their luck -- often with little families in tow -- are bused in, to spend four productive days, living in many of those tents -- hot showers, clean beds, good food, new clothes, service to most every significant aspect of life, entertaining fun, and more.  The attention to virtually every detail is almost super-human -- and gets better, every single time!

Lots of active military, retirees, veterans, fire and police officers, medical teams, chaplains, civilian volunteers and more -- all good-hearted souls -- take part to render needful, individualized aid -- at kiosk type tents and all around the grounds.

Of course, there is a full range of physical and mental health services provided -- including a mobile dental office; even acupuncture, massage, and the holistic panoply!  Hair cuts and beauticians, of course.

The children and parents are taken to local shopping centers to equip the little ones with new clothing and school supplies, and much else they need.

Retired judges are gathered in one of the big tents and are authorized to review and clear up all sorts of misdemeanors which hinder the "clientele" from making an unfettered new start.  THEN, in the very next tent, the DMV helps them get vehicular licenses, often so crucial to normalcy and employability.

In the evenings, there are live entertainment and singing, relaxing, and communing together around bonfires.

At the end, each "client's" photo is taken, to add to the great album.  Smiles abound.  The record of success is astounding.  Lots of lives turned around.  Absolutely breath-taking and pleasing.  You'd be proud of the whole, wonderful thing!

And many, many of the rescued return, each time, as volunteers, to help pull their remaining "brothers and sisters" forward -- to "give back" -- to keep the great human chain-reaction rolling onward, favorably, toward the best possible future.  Goodness is contagious!

There's so much more -- but, you almost have to see it to believe it.  It seems especially appropriate to do this on the fair grounds, for a fair is exactly what it feels like -- a fair to end all fairs!

David Nelson

Tag: "Human Crises, Homelessness, Veterans Admin"

Miltary.Com -- VA Loan Refinance: Record Rates/$0 Down

On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 5:37 PM, Military.com <newsltr@miltnews.com> wrote:

This is an article from the Military.com site 

VA Loans Require No Down Payment. Find lenders ready to help you buy or refinance.
	Dear Military.com Member, Interest rates are at historic lows. Now is the time to apply for a loan of $417,000 or more through your VA Home Loan benefit. Buy a home or Refinance now and pay $0 down. The VA Loan is a powerful benefit:   Lower Monthly Payments   Pay $0 Down and no PMI   Pay Off Higher-Rate Balances    Pay Off a Second Mortgage Find Lenders to Help You Buy or Refinance

Tags: "Veterans Admin, Military"