Information on the Decision Ready Claim Program -- the fastest way to get a VA disability claim processed!

Dear Veterans and Stakeholders,

Over the past month, we have been working closely with our partners at the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide you with monthly employment data as they are the authoritative source for this information.  We’ll be directly linking with them at www.dol.gov/vets/latest-numbers to provide employment information.

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We would like you to know that if you’re interested in getting additional information directly from DOL, you can subscribe to their VETS Newsletter. In the future, we will be sending you updates on current and useful news about benefits and services, along with continuing to provide you the authoritative link to DOL for Veteran unemployment data.

This month, we’d like to start by introducing you to a fairly new program for Veterans who are planning to file a VA disability compensation claim.  It’s the Decision Ready Claim Program -- the fastest way to get a VA disability claim processed.  Eligible Veterans can get a decision on their claim within 30 days after it is submitted when they work with an accredited representative, such as a Veterans Service Organization.

The DRC Program is administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration, and we are the source of all data related to the program.  We’re excited to see how DRC is drastically changing the way we process claims. Hear from Veterans themselves about how the DRC Program has worked for them and learn more at www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/drc.asp.

Thanks to all of you, and please stay tuned as we look forward to providing you more updates soon.

Sincerely,

Veterans Benefits Administration

The Colonel Will Be Visiting Next Week!

Planning a Montana fishing trip for June-July!

We have also sent the following letter out to Ryan Zinke, Secretary of the Interior:

Dear Mr. Zinke,

I represent a private group of Veterans who have erected a meeting place for fellow Veterans, families and neighbors to gather for events and develop helpful projects for Veterans in need.

Here at the Fort Villanow Veterans Project we have a great summer Survival Camp for kids. We feel it very important to instill in these kids minds the importance of our country, our flag, the duty of our military and even our police.  It is taught by caring Veterans. All volunteers who served from the Korean War, Viet Nam, Iraq to coming home from duty this year. All have specific skills to share.

Our “western style town” has grown into a community project, all owned and operated by Veterans and local business and private contributions, not from the government. We work with a non-profit status horse group which sponsors horse activities to help with PTSD. We organize local fishing, turkey shoots, dove hunts, camping, trips to museums, to Washington, DC and military cemeteries.

We are in a small community of Villanow located in the northwest Georgia mountains. We are on a scenic highway with lots of civil war history all around us from Chickamauga to La Fayette, to Tunnell Hill and Resaca. We have over 45 Veterans and 60 neighbors helping us.

Now….the reason for my letter to you.

Here is what I am hopes that you will help us with. We would like to “reward” these volunteer Veterans with one trip a year out west to Montana to fish or hunt alternating the years.  They cannot afford to pay the high cost for out of state license. Big game is around $1,000. and fishing for a two-day permit is $50.00 for nonresident. These guys can’t even afford the trip, let alone these kinds of fees.

Our plans are to provide the means of travel with other volunteers and vehicles. These Veterans are honorable served and honorable discharged with 90% being combat veterans.

We would like to provide this opportunity free of charge for up to 5 Veterans a year.

All I am asking is the hunting and fishing licenses be waived for five Veterans per year for Veterans from Ft. Villanow.

I have sent out numerous letters to departments of several states, Wildlife and Game, Governors, etc. I have tried for over a year. All I have received is the run around. So, what am I asking and why did we choose Montana?

We have a good connection with a combat Veteran in Cameron, Montana with a beautiful place on the Madison River. He is willing to host 3 to 5 veterans a year. He has a fishing boat, gear and experience to host such an event and room for camping. His passion is fly fishing. His name is Colonel Bryant Harp, who served in Viet Nam. He has contacted several other veterans and business owners in his area who would like to be involved. He suggested that we contact you.

One of our Veteran members visited the Colonel in 2017 and promoted our project from Georgia to Montana with hotels, restaurants, car dealers, Harley shops and camping sites to help with the travel.

We believe this would be a great incentive, or reward, for these Veterans who are helping kids and their fellow Veterans. This would be a trip of a lifetime for them !

We have a simple website that I am in hopes you or a staff member will review and respond to our worthy cause. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated !!!

Respectfully,

Tony Dyer, Army
20 year service, retired

Fort Villanow Veterans Project
14013 East Hwy 136
La Fayette, Georgia 30728
(706)397-8860  or 8909
ftvillanow@gmail.com

www.fortvillanow.com

 

 

E-Mail From Congressman Tom Graves

Friends,

Today, I have an important update for you on President Trump and Congress’s efforts to rebuild our military, keep our homeland safe and care for our veterans. 

On November 14, 2017, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 2810), which President Trump signed into law on December 12. The NDAA is vital annual legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense. 

Both Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass this bill into law, sending a powerful bipartisan message to our servicemembers that national defense is a national priority again. 

This bill:

  • greenlights the president’s plan to rebuild the military,
  • increases funding for our national defense by $88.4 billion,
  • and authorizes 20,000 more servicemembers to help address the threats against the United States.

Importantly, the bill also provides a 2.4 percent pay raise for the troops – the largest in eight years. Our men and women in uniform deserve nothing less for the sacrifices they make to protect us. 

Further, the NDAA strengthens Georgia’s contribution to our national defense, including essential funds for cybersecurity operations at Fort Gordon and surveillance aircraft stationed at Robins Air Force Base. With more than 100,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in Georgia – the fourth largest military population in the nation – it’s important to ensure our warfighters have the resources and equipment they need. 

In addition to strengthening our military, I believe we must also use our economic and diplomatic tools to address threats from the regimes in North Korea and Iran. Accordingly, this year the House passed the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Act (H.R. 1698) and the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act (H.R. 3898). Both bills would impose additional economic sanctions on these rogue regimes and deprive them of resources that could be used to threaten our country. 

Finally, we must continue to improve services for our nation’s veterans and their families. They served and sacrificed; now we must ensure they receive the best possible care and services our nation can deliver, which starts with reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

I’m glad to report that we made significant progress this year when Congress passed and the president signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1094). This important legislation will help improve services and care at the VA by making it easier for the VA Secretary to punish or fire bad employees and protect the whistleblowers who report bad behavior.

Congress also passed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (H.R.2288), which President Trump recently signed into law. The bipartisan bill modernizes the disability benefits appeals process at the VA.

In addition to reforms at the VA, this year Congress passed and the president signed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act (H.R. 3218), an important bipartisan bill modernizing veterans’ educational assistance programs. 

Among its reforms, this new law:

 

  • increases college aid funding for Guardsmen and Reservists, their surviving spouses and dependents;
  • provides 100 percent college aid funding for post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients;
  • removes time restrictions to use educational benefits;
  • and provides additional benefits to veterans who pursue degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

I will continue to update you on legislation for our nation’s military and veterans, but I understand there are many issues of importance to you and your family. Please do not hesitate to contact me through my website or follow me on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Freedom First,
Congressman Tom Graves

National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 16, 2017

To participate in a wreath-laying ceremony, please click Ceremony Information, or to search for a participating location near you, please click Search for Participating Locations.

The closest in our area are: Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga Confederate Cemetery, West Hill Cemetery (In Dalton) and the Georgia National Cemetery (In Canton).

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Please Accept My Donation Letter

After visiting Fort Villanow Veterans Project, I was shocked as to what all has been put together for the kids training program/camp. The guys were telling me about a new adventure canoe/kayaking trip down memory lane, that they are planning through the Chickamauga Battlefield.

            The Veterans that work with Fort Villanow are eager to educate these kids on travel and about our country’s history dating all the way back to the Civil War. What amazed me the most, was that these guys try to operate without barely any funds AT ALL. I was SHOCKED this facility has operated on the little funds they have and that they pay most of the bills from THEIR OWN POCKETS.

            I myself, have donated $500.00 toward this wonderful cause. I am sure there are other people who can donate as well. It doesn’t have to be cash, it can be anything from canoes, kayaks, to life-vests, oars, fishing poles, etc.

These donations will be used for not only the kids, but the families and Veterans of Fort Villanow Veterans Project. They will also be appreciated and used. I take my hat off for those that choose to do so.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant Jon George US Air-Force Veteran
 

'A Date Which Will Live In Infamy.'  

“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”

Electric Scooter For Sale By Veteran For Only $500!

The Roketa 350 Watt Electric Bike is the perfect ride for school, work or just to have fun uptown or downtown! Can drive on streets, no tag required or LICENSE. This bike is so easy to ride and safe, it will take you wherever your heart desires! Bought new in 2015 retailing at $700 and barely used! 

  • Speed: 35m/h 
  • Range: 30km 
  • Charge Time: 4-6 hours
  • Charger and 4 batteries included! (48v, 12 Ah)
  • Motor: 360 w brush-less hub motor
  • Color: Orange
  • No rear-view mirrors
  • Best on flat ground
  • NO LICENCE OR TAG NEEDED!
  • Original Value: 900.00

Smart Phones For Beginners Training Class: Click HERE

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Fort Villanow would like to start a simple technology class to help with basic knowledge on things like smart phones, IPads, tablets, etc.... We understand that in this day and age some of our older Veterans need help with understanding these gadgets and do not even realize what all they can benefit from them. Taking this class will save you a lot of time, money and heartache in exchange for just a little extra effort. This class will teach you things like:

  • Using the microphone feature to type messages for you

  • Backing up your phone numbers & photos

  • Downloading music & movies from the cloud

  • Learning basic security features

  • Checking out alternative browsers and applications to make everyday tasks easier (grocery list, online banking, GPS, scanning checks, coupon finders, etc.)

  • Using logic to sort your home screens to find applications easier.

  • Getting to know your shortcuts

  • Figuring out the best phone plans and electronics that suit your lifestyle.

  • Along with any other questions you may have!