Thursday, October 29, 2009

A tip for vets and first time home buying.

Well here's something I didn't know. It might be news to you vets as well. Looks like you don't have much time to take advantage of it, but if you are in the market or ready to buy a new home, this might save you some money. I hope it will work for you!

Dear Vet's,
Have you been thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current home loan? Did you know that you can still take advantage of the First Time Homebuyer Tax credit or $8,000 (must close by November 30, 2009) if you purchase your first home, (a first home is considered if you have not owned a home for the past three years), using your VA entitlement which requires NO DOWN PAYMENT money? Did you know that the current 30 year fixed rate is 5% with NO PRE PAYMENT PENALTIES?

Enough with all these questions. One fact to remind you of is if you HAVE used your eligibility to purchase a home using your VA entitlement, you do have the option of using your entitlement again. In fact there are no limits as to how many times you use your entitlement, as long as you pay off your current VA home loan prior to buying your next home.
To find out more detailed information please email or visit my website at:
or
Your VA home loan specialist.
Mitch Friedman
720-434-4784

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

America's Heros at Work


Ok folks, for all you employers out there, here is a chance to fill out your ranks, help your community, while you are providing meaningful employment to a deserving veteran. This can help you add to your work force at the same time giving a veteran a means of providing for his or her family, (now that he or she has provided for our country.) It's a win-win situation and I highly recommend you to look into it if you are in need of skilled labor!

Hands-On Employment Pilot matches employers and veterans with TBI and/or PTSD
AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov

America's Heroes at Work has embarked on a new hands-on endeavor - an Employment Pilot designed to coordinate successful employment experiences for veterans with TBI and/or PTSD, while studying individual experiences. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is managing this "learning lab" concept with support from workforce development professionals and a steering committee comprised of representatives from key federal partners. Through the Pilot, DOL will study, validate and disseminate best practices related to helping employees with TBI and/or PTSD succeed on the job. The initial phase of the Pilot will concentrate on employers and veterans located in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, all of whom will benefit from hands-on support. Workforce development professionals on the team will consult with organizations interested in employing veterans with TBI/PTSD, match them with qualified veteran workers, provide ongoing support; and monitor experiences and track best practices. For more information, visit the America's Heroes at Work Web site <http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/employpilot.html> .

Monday, October 5, 2009

Hey folks,

this is REALLY important so pay attention . Take 5-10 minutes to read the links and call your senator. I just did it, it takes literally 4-5 minutes to call. Paul from IAVA has provided a call back number, so all you do is plug in your zip code and they take care of the rest. You are connected with your senators office, you can let them know about how you feel about them not getting this vote passed in time for VA hospital funding. thanks for helping to take care of the men and women who are taking care of us!!

Dear Veteran supporter,

Call your Senators now, and ask them to pass the VA budget.This could be one of the most important phone calls you make this year.

Last week, the Senate failed to pass the VA budget, and six million veterans who rely on the VA for healthcare are paying the price. All passing the budget takes is one vote - the Senate just hasn't gotten around to it.

Now, VA hospitals and clinics nationwide can't plan for critical staffing and equipment needs, leading to longer waits for appointments, and rationed care. This is completely unacceptable.

Take action by calling your Senators now. Tell them to pass the VA budget, so that veterans get the care they deserve. Click here to place your call - our online tool makes it easy.

The VA budget has been late an astounding 20 times in the last 23 years. And every year we've had to fight to get it passed. But your phone call could change that forever. This year's budget includes a provision that will fund the VA a full year in advance. Advance funding the VA is IAVA's top legislative goal for 2009, and it means veterans' healthcare will never be rationed again.

So please place a call to your Senators now and make sure that the VA is fully funded this year, and for years to come.

The only budget that Congress passed on time last week is the one that pays their salaries. Veterans shouldn't have to wait while Congress gets paid. Help us change that today.

Thank you for making your voice heard.

Sincerely,

Paul

Paul Rieckhoff
Executive Director & Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

STRESS PROJECT.ORG

Here's a link to a list from the Iraq Vets Stress web site of

"VA Therapists offering Energy Psychology:

There are a number of therapists who work at Vets Centers, VA hospitals, military hospitals, or VA counseling centers, who are trained in Energy Psychology. Please note that some of these therapists work by phone as well as in person. This is a partial list. Please email us if you have additional names of such resources."

http://www.stressproject.org/vatherapists.html

The mere fact that VA hospitals are using these approaches is really exciting and goes a long way toward giving legitimacy for these 'new' therapies. The are using them because they are getting results.

Also if you feel you don't have the finances to fund this kind of therapy...

Multi City Iraq Vets PTSD Program:

If you're a combat veteran, you may qualify for get six FREE and completely confidential sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) coaching.

Several cities have therapists or life coaches offering EFT, and help is also available by phone. You fill in four quick one-page forms to determine if you're eligible for this fast and effective program. To see a 19 minute video of Vietnam and Iraq veterans speaking about their experiences click here. (please be aware that watching this video frequently brings up intense emotions).

To find a coach near you, please contact study coordinator Crystal Hawk. You will then be directed to the nearest coach who will send you forms to fill out to determine if you're eligible for this coaching. There are coaches in many cities, and many coaches work by telephone, so help is readily available.

Crystal Hawk, MEd
Phone 416-922-4325
Email Crystal