CIVIC MENTOR / HUMAN MISERY / Ending Veteran Homelessness by 2015?

Posted: 19 Nov 14

2015 -- THAT'S THE OFFICIAL GOAL DEADLINE

And, it is a wonderfully significant one, indeed

 In 2009, the President and VA declared the goal to end Vet Homelessness by 2015. 

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Posted on Facebook by Jacqui L. and passed forward by my FB friend, Mitch -- thanks to them both!

Cartoons like these reflect human compassion and I think, big, caring hearts.  But, these are pieces of a huge puzzle -- and LOTS of other pieces are coming together because of the sensitization of the people and their government (through such posters AND all the other things that move us from blindness into the light).

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WE are the government -- AND THE GOVERNMENT IS US.

1.  You'll be pleased to know that the momentum we need, so desperately, is building. I've seen it with my own eyes -- I've volunteered for three glorious, extremely successful life-salvaging regional events -- with similar ones going on, all over the nation -- and more are a-building.  They are called "Veteran Stand-downs (click here)" -- and are significant puzzle-pieces, among the other pieces being fitted -- to produce a much more beautiful social picture than we now have.

Here is one of my reports on my personal experience of one of the three stand-downs, I've participated in -- in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.   

I DON'T THINK I'VE EVER SEEN A FINER EXECUTION OF AN IDEA THAT IS SO WORTHWHILE.

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2.  It's frustrating (and harmful) that Veteran Homelessness (or any homelessness) is still a "fact of life" -- for now (till we fix it) -- and the sometimes very limited, but essential, good we each do -- may not always feel like it, but it adds SIGNIFICANTLY, without the slightest doubt, to the problem-solving chain-reaction that unites us. And, it makes us better people -- in the trying -- in displaying our compassion to ourselves and others -- in hopes of stimulating more of the same -- and because it FEELS SO GOOD, SO RIGHT!

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3.  NOW, TAKE HEART.  In 2009, the President and VA declared the goal to end Vet Homelessness by 2015. 

One day in January 2014, there were just under 50,000 homeless vets. I don't yet know its exact progress, but from the indications I am seeing, progress is moving in the right direction  -- and it will be achieved, I have no doubt --  I'm still checking for any revisions to the planned time-frame -- so, success may be sooner than expected -- or later.

And, so much more that is favorable is going on -- still beneath many "radar screens" -- and is accelerating, with 2015 looming so large and so very near.

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4.  The link, below, opens up the VA's plan -- and by our knowing what's been done, so far -- and what is intended -- we can see what's left to do -- and, perhaps, how we can best help to push "the boulder" over the hill -- and achieve a much-coveted national triumph.

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Here is the story of the 2015-Goal -- on the VA website:

 http://www.va.gov/homeless/about_the_initiative.asp

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WE CAN DO THIS -- AND WE MUST.

Got any ideas?  I sure do.

David Nelson

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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 -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

CIVIC COMPASSION AND THE PLIGHT OF THE HOMELESS VET

Posted: 22 Oct 14


  -- much is being done; much remains to be done. Upon completion of the work, human salvation and recycling will become an efficient, automatic, wide-spread routine, further maturing a wholesome nation and elevating freedom to another, higher level. A better nation means a better world -- D. Nelson

Yet, this magnificent nation, comprised of magnificent humans, is not blind to this -- or the countless other issues that demand our attention.  The disgrace would be in failure to try -- and we are trying.  The VA has expressed its goal to completely eliminate vet homelessness by 2015. (They're gonna need a lot of help.)

I proudly testify that I have seen, with my own eyes, countless examples of our deep national and local compassion and empathy -- and intelligent responses.  I've included a link to one such VA program, national "Stand-Downs," which I have volunteered to help, for the last three of many times these extraordinary 3 and 4-day events were conducted in this part of the SF Bay Area.

I intend to continue participating till they no longer want me or I am no longer able.  Wouldn't miss it for the world.  Everyone comes away a winner -- stronger than before -- including the many, many volunteers.  It's a loving wild-fire!

BEHOLD THE STAND-DOWN CONCEPT:http://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp

By the way, I published this "after-action report" describing my experiences at one stand-down.  I believe it will give you more insight into this extraordinary, awe-inspiring undertaking -- so you can better appreciate its significance and superbness of execution.

I tell you, it's wonderful to see the immediate impact on the smiling faces of hundreds upon hundreds of vets (and little families) who were sad and hopeless (and in serious trouble), only days before.  And that is just one, local, serial-part of a highly successful national phenomenon.  I remember a long-ago Saturday cartoon where a "down-in-the-mouth" character was taken under the wing of numerous little helpers -- washing this, shining that, fixing teeth, haircuts, back-pats, a new suit of clothes, happy tunes in the background.  Well, stand-downs are something like that -- only they attend to a virtual totality -- mind and body -- to help the "valued clients" make good changes that will last.  Oh, there's so much to tell.  You'd be stunned at the magnitude of forethought, effort, and success-rate.

Many "saved" vets return as stand-down volunteers eager to give back -- and so the chain-reaction continues, as it's supposed to.

The evidence abounds that we are a great people, haven't forgotten those who have fallen behind, and ARE DOING BETTER AND BETTER at this, as awareness spreads and experience, ideas, methods, and resources build-up -- with the aid of such things as this beautiful Internet Revolution.

So, yes -- many more unfortunates remain to be reached -- and the above image is important to help keep our fires burning hot -- but, I can safely say that we are working on it -- and getting the job done.  Still there's room for more to jump on board -- before all is said and done -- and every good reason to.

Win-win is an excellent way to play this particular game!

David Nelson
(Thanks to my sister-in-law, Valorie W., for the original image on Facebook)



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 -- and are urged to do so -- as long as it's all done free of charge, unchanged, you include this statement, AND you inform me as to how it is being used -- at YOUR convenience but, hopefully soonest.

VETERANS: East Bay Veterans Fair - Concord -- 7/15 /13/MON/ 9:00am to 2:00pm

Posted:  27 Jun 13

Dear Veteran,

I am inviting you to VetCon.

This year, East Bay Veterans Fair presents VetCon, a free event for Veterans and their families to connect with employers, educational institutions, community resources, VA resources, and other Veterans.

The event will be held at the Concord Hilton Hotel on Monday July 15^th from 9am – 2pm.

This year’s event will also feature workshops on:

• What is Going On? An Update on Federal and State Legislation
• How to Develop a Successful Claim
• How to Use Social Media to Develop a Network
• The Secrets of the HR Process
• And More…..

 I am very excited about this year’s event and I look forward to seeing you and your family there.

 www.vetcon.org

 

Sincerely,

Nathan D. Johnson

Veterans Service Officer

Contra Costa County

10 Douglas Dr. Suite 100

Martinez, CA 94553

Tel:  (925) 313-1481

Fax: (925) 313-1490

Nathan.johnson@vs.cccounty.us

East Bay Veterans Fair

Presents VetCon

Monday, July 15^th 2013  

Concord Hilton

www.vetcon.org

Facebook 

Disabled Veterans: The Most Sacred Sacrifice a Nation Can Ask

Posted:  27 May 13

HOME | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | BECOME A MEMBER

Dear David, Memorial Day, is a day set aside to honor those who answered our nations call and made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our freedom! It's the most sacred sacrifice a nation can ask … the call for one of our young troops to give risk itself in defense of our freedom. You and I made our own sacrifices in our country's service, but both of us stand in awe of those who gave their lives. I've always seen DAV membership as one way to salute our fallen by reaching out to those who served at their sides but came home sick and injured. As Memorial Day dawns, your membership will make a difference – not only in your own life, but in the lives of your fellow veterans in their darkest hours of need. Many in our country seldom think of the sacrifices our heroes make. But you are a veteran who made your own sacrifices. You will never forget. Today, hold the spirit of Memorial Day in your heart. Wear a patriotic article of clothing on this special day. Fly Old Glory in front of your home. Attend a patriotic event. You might even want to decorate the graves of our fallen heroes. For yourself, for your family, for your fellow veterans, sign up for DAV membership now! To Honor the Fallen, Arthur H. Wilson National Adjutant Disabled American Veterans

Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Facebook | Twitter Copyright © DAV, All Rights Reserved. DAV is a tax-exempt organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible according to IRS regulation.

Senator Boxer: Reducing the Backlog of VA Disability Claims

Posted:  29 Mar 13

On Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 5:57 PM, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer <barbara.boxer@boxer.enews.senate.gov> wrote: (You can view the message online.)

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - March 28, 2013 Dear Friend: Today I led a bipartisan group of Senators in writing to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to express our deep concern over the lengthy wait that our disabled veterans are enduring to get the benefits they need and deserve. We urged the Department of Defense to work more effectively with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help end these long delays and give our disabled veterans the care worthy of their sacrifice. To read more, please click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

Senator Boxer: Helping to End Veteran Homelessness - 1/23/13

Posted:  23 Jan 13


On Wed, Jan 23, 2013 at 6:09 PM, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer <barbara.boxer@boxer.enews.senate.gov> wrote:

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - January 23, 2013 Dear Friend: Yesterday I introduced legislation to help end homelessness among our nation’s veterans.  The Check the Box for Homeless Veterans Act of 2013 offers taxpayers the opportunity to help keep those who served our country off the streets by making a voluntary contribution on their federal income tax return to support programs that prevent and combat veteran homelessness.  To read more, please click here. It is inexcusable that tens of thousands of homeless veterans spend their nights on the streets, and this new check-off box would give Americans a simple way to give back to those who have given so much for us. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

USA.,gov - Job-Related Resources & Combat Veterans

Posted:  12 Jan 13

On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 1:24 PM, USA.gov Blog Team <subscriptions@subscriptions.usa.gov> wrote:

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Image description: The flight mirrors for the James Webb Space...

01/11/2013 03:00 PM EST

Image description: The flight mirrors for the James Webb Space Telescope undergo cryogenic testing at NASA Marshall.
Photo by Ball Aerospace.

Find Job-Related Education and Training Resources

01/11/2013 01:00 PM EST

Visit JobCenter.USA.gov for information about professional certifications, registered apprenticeships, occupational licenses, and other opportunities that may help you get ahead.
In addition to education and training resources, you can use the job center to search for a job and learn about various career paths.

Some Combat Veterans Eligible for Extended Health Care

01/11/2013 10:00 AM EST

Some Combat Veterans Eligible for Extended Health Care:Veterans who served in combat after Nov. 11, 1998 are eligible for extended health care for 5 years post discharge. Learn more about the benefits offered and find out how to apply.

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