2015 National Veterans Golden Age Games
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Tag Archives: veterans
#22KILL: Battle Buddy
Become a Veterans’ Advocate and “Battle Buddy”
You do not have to be a trained professional to help someone in need. You don’t have to be a veteran to empathize with their situation. People in a crisis sometimes just need someone to talk to because they feel alone and unheard by those who are closest to them. They may feel too ashamed to call out for help from their friends and family and can benefit from speaking to an anonymous individual. By not feeling judged, they can feel more comfortable about opening up and and talking about their situation.
Criteria:
- Have a genuine love and respect for veterans and all active military members. You do not have to be a veteran.
- Have a cell phone, and be willing to take calls/texts at any time from a veteran wanting to talk
Roles/Responsibilities:
As a Battle Buddy, you will have a profile listed on www.22kill.com’s public directory, and veterans in crisis will be able to find you and call you if they want to talk. Your commitment is to simply be someone who cares and to listen if a veteran ever calls. That’s it. Don’t judge; don’t push. Just having someone to talk to who genuinely cares and will listen can make a substantial difference. If you do feel there is a crisis, you can call 911 or have someone else call.
If you are not comfortable with being a Battle Buddy there are other ways you can help as a Veterans’ Advocate. We encourage you to join Team #22KILL in connecting and growing the veteran support system. Become a volunteer for their events and community projects, and share their page with your network of friends, family, and every veteran you know.
Sign up and become a Battle Buddy today!
Please Visit www.22kill.com for more information
Warfighter Sports
Warfighter Sports have provided 8,200 wounded warriors and family opportunities to participate in more than 30 sports since 2003, free of any costs.
The mission of Warfighter Sports is simple:
Provide adaptive sports to severely wounded warriors free of cost. Thanks to generous supporters, they have supported 1,500 wounded warriors just last year alone.
Warfighter Sports Individual Training Grants
Warfighter Sports is offering grants to veterans and members of the armed forces with permanent physical disabilities who do not have nearby access to adaptive training in the sport of their choice.
Grant funding can be used to assist with participation expenses associated with their individual sport goals. Successful applicants will be awarded grant funding as well as Warfighter Sports apparel to wear during their participation.
The goal of this program is to help veterans and members of the armed forces with permanent physical disabilities gain independence in their chosen sport, so that even if an adaptive club is not available nearby, they have the ability to participate in non-adaptive programs alongside family and friends.
Grants of up to $1000, per warrior, per year are available on a rolling basis until all funds have been spent. Funds are only distributed once valid receipts and reports have been received by Disabled Sports USA. Applicants will be notified if their grant is approved within 21 business days of their submission.
Grant Qualifications:
- Veterans or members of the armed forces with a permanent physical disability* who do not have nearby access to adaptive training in their chosen sport
- Veterans or members of the armed forces with a permanent physical disability* who are seeking advanced training, competitive or classification opportunities in their chosen sport
- $1000 maximum grant awarded per year
- Must participate in qualified sporting activity (see application for specific list)
*i.e. spinal cord injury, amputation, vision impairment, traumatic brain injury, nerve/joint or muscle damage that permanently impedes function.
Sample Expenses Covered:
- Travel expenses to train in an adaptive sport if not offered locally
- Travel to attend classification opportunities or Paralympic competition
- Coaching fees for individualized instruction
- Adaptive sports equipment not covered by the VA
Reporting Requirements:
The following is to be submitted no later than two weeks post-activity or by September 1, 2015 (whichever is soonest)
- Brief summary of program outcomes (one paragraph)
- Photo of participation in activity (preferably while wearing Warfighter Sports provided apparel)
- Provide valid receipts for expenses
Department of Veteran Affairs: Making Mobility Equipment Accessible & Affordable
The Department of Veteran Affairs is a great resource for making mobility equipment accessible and affordable through available benefits. There are several options available to shoppers for new equipment as well as those looking for upgrades with their current equipment.
One option is to accept a special benefit allowance for automobiles. These funds are available for modifications covered in the Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program for existing vehicles- from mini-vans to motor homes. One should check with the local VA office to make sure criteria are met before making a purchase for a specialized vehicle. The application for adaptive equipment is also titled VAF 10-1394. Find more specific information about modifications and the list of required documents for reimbursement by following this link to the VA program profile.
Once in ownership of a modified vehicle, the VA helps cover some repairs however, regular maintenance is not covered. The VA typically allows for two vehicles to be purchased or modified in a 4-year period and exceptions are made for instances of theft, fire, accident, court or legal actions, costly repairs and changes in the driver’s medical needs that would require a new vehicle.
A second option deals with the prescription of orthotic equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Once a veteran is assessed to need mobility equipment by the VA and its doctors- an approved and accredited firm helps fit the veteran in need the top of the line orthotic equipment. For a list of these firms, follow this link.
Veterans Chili Cook-Off
On February 8th, 2015 The American Legion Riders Chapter 273 will host their first Veterans Chili Cook-Off!
All the proceeds will be donated to local Veterans causes.