Throughout the past few months I have kept many of my readers in the loop of my PCS. The ups and downs of PCS, planning, organizing, you name it I have done it! But the truth is I am not the only one going through this, and although my PCS is not the “NORM” active duty PCS – we all go through many of the same ordeals.

The Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season is right around the corner and is starting to blossom all over the globe. There are many things you can to do prepare for this big move and you don’t necessarily need the orders in your hand just yet. My motto – “Plan ahead and spare yourself a headache!”

When you first find out that you will be moving, a great resource to look up is the Plan My Move feature on the Military Homefront website. This site is extremely helpful and helps you to gain the resources to your new area (military installation), even if you will be deciding to live off post. This will basically be a one-stop for it all – you find everything associated with your PCS on this site. And be sure to review their Moving 101 page.

You should also start thinking about your household goods and items. Will you be keeping everything? Or perhaps you can sell and give away some items? I find this to be extremely helpful to start planning well ahead before a move; you would be surprised just how much clutter you accumulate over 3-4 years! And it really is important to plan ahead – regardless of the moving date it is never too early to start packing and cleaning out.

Other Recommended Moving Articles:

Relocating your Life

PCS and Childcare

Operation Organization

Other Important Relocation Sites:

1. DoD Household Goods Portal- www.move.mil
2. MilitaryINSTALLATIONS – www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil
3. Automated Housing Referral Network- www.ahrn.com
4. SDDC – Surface Deployment and Distribution Command- www.sddc.army.mil

For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com or www.homefrontunited.com.

Join me and other military spouses on Facebook and Twitter.  

I consider myself well read when it comes to certain things and how certain things work.  I know the ultimate judgment of the Iraq War will be determined, not by you and me, but by history.  People very much like us many years from now will study the Iraq War, the War on Terrorism, the Afghanistan War and everything that goes with it with the critical eye of time.  They will research and determine its long term effects, the cost, and ultimately whether it was successful or not.  They will make this determination without the emotional baggage that those of us living now carry.  They say history is written by the victors, but victory is relative.  After all, we don’t know if we will ultimately be successful in rebuilding Iraq and our ultimate success will not be known for many, many years.  All we know for sure is that militarily defeated the Iraqi Army during the invasion and then mostly defeated a tough insurgency. 

My Own Opinion on the Iraq War

Will history determine the war was justified and necessary?  Only time will tell. My own opinion is that it was necessary, but not necessarily justified for the reasons given at the time by our leaders.  Those of us in the military who knew what Saddam Hussein was up to prior to our invasion knew our war against Iraq would not be over in six months like it was in 1991.  Nor did we expect to still be there seven years later.  As I write this, I am reading the news where two more US Soldiers died when one of their “allies” in the Iraqi Army shot them because a pastor in Georgia had decided to burn Qurans.  On the outside, the war in Iraq may seem justified but in my opinion, not when put under a microscope.  Certainly, even by the war’s staunchest supporters, it is hard to justify the duration of our stay in Iraq. 

My view is my own but comes from someone who was at war for over half his career in the US Army and deployed a total of nine times to various parts of the world including four in Afghanistan and two to Iraq.  Again, ultimately, history will be the judge of whether the war in Iraq was justified or not and whether the Iraq War was the right thing to do or just the over reaction of a country used to its sense of supremacy and invulnerability.

Either way, the Iraq War and ultimately the War on Terror has composed a large portion of my life.  Large enough for me to pray it was justified and right.  I suppose it is that hope that is the reason why the things we do during our lifetimes is judged by the generations which follow.  We are too close to the events and cannot disassociate our feelings and emotions long enough from the events of our lives to view them with that critical eye of impartiality necessary to make an unbiased judgment.

Iraq Served as a Rallying Point for the World’s Extremists

I do think the Iraq War, though painful for the country and the Soldiers who fought in it, will ultimately be considered a success for many reasons.  The entire war was covered in controversy almost from the beginning which distracted the nation and its leaders from pursuing other targets and objectives in the larger War on Terror.  It could be viewed as a drain on resources better devoted to other objectives.  However, the Iraq War could be considered a success as well for many reasons.  Unfortunately, I can find little proof that these were the reasons from the beginning, but instead became the reasons for us to stay in Iraq following the initial invasion.  As I stated before, no plan survives contact with the enemy.  From a strategic standpoint, the war in Iraq served as a defined battlefield in which extremists from all over the world came to fight the “American invader”.  This simply made it easier for us to find them and kill them in a single country instead of having to look for them all over the world.

There is another old military saying which fits here pretty well.  If you can target the enemy he can target you.  In other words, if they are shooting at you, you don’t have to go looking for them.  It may sound flawed but it is true and it is a military tactic from ancient times to present a military force in the open and when that force comes under attack you know where the enemy is so you counterattack.       

American Military is Now Most Experienced in the World

Additionally, every Army even one as powerful as the US military, has to eventually get its nose bloody before it can improve its fighting ability.  You can only train so much and reach a certain level of readiness with using blanks in nice safe training area.  Everyone talks about how the US Army and US Marines are tired and worn after so many rotations to Iraq.  How our equipment has to be replaced due to overuse.  How the suicide rate of combat veterans is at an all time high.  All of this is true but not unexpected from a military professional’s point of view.  However, I defy you to find a fighting force anywhere in the world better equipped and trained for war at this point then the US Military.  It was rough getting here, but we are here and that is why I believe you don’t see a lot of attacks or casualties anymore.  The insurgents in Iraq and the fighters in Afghanistan don’t have nearly the likelihood of survival as they had a few years ago when attacking any US Military targets.  We have become very good at what we do.

Ultimate Goal is to Win the War on Terrorism

The War on Terrorism is a global war not going anywhere soon.  The battlefields will change countries and even continents, but it will continue until groups like Al Qaida cease to have the resources to carry out attacks.  There are other groups in the world which also must be dealt with before we can declare victory in this war.  This is the war that we must ultimately win and individual victories like Iraq and Afghanistan are simply battles in the much larger War on Terrorism.

History Is the Ultimate Judge

As I live today and will not be alive when history does pass judgment on our actions over the past ten years I can only hope we are judged well.  Either way, history will say these were difficult times for a country and world torn apart by strife and war brought on by fanatical religious beliefs, intolerance, and ignorance.  Hopefully, what has happened in the past ten years will come to an end and the rest of the century will see some semblance of peace and prosperity instead of appearing to be the hangover of the last dying vestiges of the disastrous bloodshed of the twentieth century. 

After all, most of our current political and military issues in the world today had their foundations in the 20^th century.  Hopefully, we can keep the 21^st century from becoming the same.  I only hope.

The families of our veterans who spend each day with them, holding their hands through pain and mental anguish, have at times been left to feel alone and isolated by their circumstances. For the soldier returning home a changed man to a now unfamiliar home it can be completely overwhelming to know where to even begin to start looking for help. “Nothing is ever the same again” for them says Linda Kreter, the creator of Veteran Caregiver. She has been helping families get in touch with the VA and other local and non-profit care providers. Veteran Caregiver was recently created  in order to provide a go between for veteran caregivers and veteran care providers to help establish a means of communication between individuals on a one on one basis. The greatest surprise she’s encountered is the willingness of others to reach out in support of our vets. “I ask them to please contact so and so near them and you know what their usual answer is? ‘I would be honored to do so’”.  After speaking with her I had to ask, why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? Linda Kreter from Veteran Caregiver took the time to answer some of our questions. 

What is the mission of Veteran Care Giver?

 Our mission is to provide a foundation of connection between caregivers, VA, state and county Veterans Service Officers, and Veterans Service Organizations through a site that is exclusively dedicated to caregivers of veterans.  When people can communicate in multiple ways to find answers, new solutions, share experiences, and realize results, the quality of life of both caregiver and veteran is improved.

What is your primary goal and how do you hope to accomplish it? 

The primary goal is to support the caregivers who support the veteran.  And, to do that, we bring together the various advisors, veterans benefits officials, and VSO’s to build a network of care and support to ease daily challenges and to help families manage well despite the many challenges involved. VSO’s have a new avenue to for outreach that promotes new resources and solutions to caregivers. There is no “one size fits all” solution because families have extremely varied issues depending on their personal situation.

How long has Veteran Care Giver been around and what sparked the idea?

 Veteran Caregiver was launched in late April, only days before the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Act of 2010 passed the Senate.  This new site evolved from previous work in military family support with multi-layer networking and interactive elements that brought families together in another website we developed called Military Family Link.  In talking with VA, veteran and Wounded Warrior families, along with family support leaders, we came to realize an unmet need in supporting the caregiver.  We quickly leveraged our technology to create a unique site devoted solely to caregivers of veterans. And, because technology can only go so far, we emphasized the personal connections with real people and information that is readily accessible and provides alternatives to caregivers.

Where do you get the funding? 

Future plans to enhance Veteran Caregiver include comprehensive coordination with specific organizations and agencies that aid in the transitional stages of care.  Currently the site is privately funded.

How have you helped veterans and their families?

 Remarkably, we have heard that families are initially helped by the simple recognition and acknowledgement that their needs are important.  We heard that they needed new or varied avenues to resolve issues.  State Veterans Service Officers have written or called asking what more they can do to help, and already many communications have affirmed the ability for technology combined with personalization to make a difference.  Bringing the resources to the caregivers – not as a resource link, but as a connection with a name, a face, and a direct touch is making a difference.  Let’s face it, the veteran system is massive and backlogs and bureaucracy can be frustrating on both sides.  We give people the opportunity to share their experiences and to help one another through wisdom and friendship.

What challenges do you face when trying to help veterans and their families?

 The biggest challenge is reaching the caregivers themselves, as it’s readily possible to reach the officers and organizations who help them. Making caregivers aware of this newly launched resource is foremost.  Also, in the remote and rural areas, caregivers often have fewer options, so

we will be seeking out the smaller organizations that provide marvelous support in the community and bringing them to the site and therefore to the caregivers.  Finally, complex issues take time, and quick fixes are not always possible.  In the meantime, the site permits open airing of challenges and genuine efforts at helping caregivers. We aim for putting smart, caring people together to help caregivers navigate more smoothly through incredibly challenging times. Communication is key, and there are many options on the site, both public and private.

How many people do you reach? 

Since VeteranCaregiver is an online resource, the reach is limitless.

What are the biggest obstacles you face when trying to reach people?

The biggest obstacles are the usual for new resources:  spreading the word and consistent operational funding. 

How can our readers get involved? 

Your readers can help by sharing the site with those that need it the most, and by encouraging veterans organizations large and small to register on the site for two-way outreach with caregivers.

What message would you like to communicate to our readers?

 We will all likely experience the care giving role someday, but this particular group has served our country, and we are safer because of their service.  The Caregivers of these veterans have earned our respect and gratitude, and need and deserve support and thanks for their sacrifice.  Help us care – for those who care.

Veteran Aid is a non-profit organization designed to help inform Veterans of the options available to them and help them gain access to those benefits earned through their service to our country. So far they have helped thousands of Veteran’s and their families take advantage of some of the great home health care options afforded to them for their service. 

Debbie Burak, the founder of Veteran Aid, took the time to answer some of our questions about Veteran Aid and the role that it has played in so many Veterans lives.

What is the mission of Veteran Aid?

To inform the general public about a little known VA Pension Benefit known as “Improved Pension”, which consists of 3 levels; Basic, Housebound and Aid, and Attendance.  This pension can help pay for care either in-home, assisted living or a nursing home to those who require the assistance of others for their day-to-day living.  A veteran is eligible for $1632 a month.  A surviving spouse $1056 a month and a veteran with a spouse $1949 a month. This pension benefit is often overlooked simply because people don’t know it’s available.

What is your primary goal and how does your organization hope to accomplish it?

The primary goal is to get this pension benefit to a national level and for it to become as common knowledge as Social Security, Medicare, etc. so that those veterans or surviving spouses who are in need financially to pay for care, will know this is a resource.

We are constantly looking for media opportunities through all venues for exposure. Hundreds of contacts have been made to all the national outlets with no one willing to date to step up on the topic.  Our website, veteranaid.org is ranked #1 as are the forums on the site. I do guest speaking, and radio interviews along with trips to Washington, DC to meet with Senators and Congress with the hope of getting a bill passed requiring the VA to inform veterans and their families of benefits they may not be aware of.  Quite like what Social Security does with their annual summary. All of these efforts are shared on all social networks as an additional means of exposure.  We are currently exploring the option of holding a Veteran Aid concert in Washington, DC.

Our secondary goal is to bring about necessary changes with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs agency making it more transparent and accountable to those who serve our country.  Currently there are over 1 million claims in backlog.  Many of their processes are antiquated and not utilizing current technology.

How long has Veteran Aid been around?

4 ½ years.

What sparked the idea for Veteran Aid?

VeteranAid.org came into being due to my challenges as the daughter of a WWII veteran and providing care to my parents over a 9-year period.  We were told 7 different times by the VA that my father was not entitled to anything, when all along Improved Pension has been an entitlement for 59 years sitting idle and under utilized by millions who have and are missing out. I discovered the pension at my father’s passing and having to move my mother.  I applied on her behalf and she was awarded the pension.  The VA refused to release her money due to mental incompetencies and they refuse to recognize Power of Attorney.  Please see this link for my story and how this mission came into being. http://veteranaid.org/docs/mystory.pdf  I am that daughter who was desperate and out of hope, options and money to pay for their care.

Where does the funding come from?

Currently all expenses for this project are paid by me personally.  I own a company, www.WovenEmbrace.com and when I am able I pull some monies from that to help offset operating costs for VeteranAid.org.  We are in the process of filing for non-profit status, and hoping that donations will help to defer costs and allow us additional advertising opportunities.

How have you helped veterans and their families?

Simply by sharing information.  Providing the tools to complete this complicated application and other resources necessary to get through this process.  Our forums are a virtual library along with our FAQ section on the site.  It is incredibly rewarding that your efforts provide the financial resource for someone to be able to afford proper care for their loved one.  When I get an email that someone just got a $15,000 check retro active because of my efforts, it is an honor to know that I have made a difference. 

Recently I was the guest speaker at an event in GA.  On the plane ride down the gentleman sitting next to me shared that he was on his way to MS to take care of his dad and stepmom who were both in assisted living.  His dad had fallen and had to go to a nursing home.  I asked if his dad was a veteran to which he replied, yes.  I handed him a business card and said “Here is over $23,000 tax-free dollars annually to help you pay for that care.”  His family was struggling to pay for their monthly care, and he was in shock that this pension was available.  This stranger had tears in his eyes when he said “Thank You”.  Just by sharing information, you can change someone’s life and circumstances.

What challenges do you face when trying to help veterans and their families?

The amount of misinformation given out by VA employees who literally do not know or fully understand this pension as it is completely different than “Disability Compensation”.  No service related injuries are required to qualify. The mindset of the VA to delay, deny and when that doesn’t work, shred applications.  Applications being processed for the wrong benefit, which results in the applicant having to provide additional information and wait several more months with the hope it gets straightened out.  1.369 veterans 70 or older die every day in this country, many while waiting for the VA to award this pension.  The VA taking up to 2 years to process a very simple pension that is not contingent on service related injuries.  The application used to be a simple 4-page form, but is now an astounding 26 pages.

How many people do you reach?

The site has over 40,000 visitors each month.  The forums come close to that as well.  We have over 1100 registered forums users, and social networks have been wonderful at sharing our mission.  With all of our various efforts it is hard to say how many thousands of people we reach.

What are the biggest obstacles you face when trying to reach people?

I am at a loss for words for how our mainstream media has refused to consider a segment on this pension.  Millions are missing out and given our current economy this financial resource truly represents the level and quality of care to be afforded.  There are 2 million WWII veterans still living and over 5 million Korean veterans.  These figures do not include the spouse or widows who would also be eligible for this pension.  I don’t know how many stories in a journalist’s career come along that would allow you to change the lives of millions of people.  Evidently this is not newsworthy.

When I started this mission, I honestly thought that everyone I contacted would have jumped at the opportunity to cover this topic.  I never thought 41/2 years later I would still be submitting and begging for someone to step up and do the honorable thing.

How can our readers get involved?

They can share the site with those they know that may be entitled.

 If they have resources and contacts in the media, radio, newspaper etc they can share that with us.

If they have skills in putting on large events such as the concert I want to do, we will gladly accept volunteers. 

 If they know any big country and western performers like Tracie Atkins, Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, all of which are huge veteran supporters that would be incredible.

 If they have websites or blogs they can put an ad or link on to help spread the word.

Post it on their Twitter and Facebook pages and follow us on Twitter.  Become a Fan on FaceBook

They can purchase sympathy/condolences gifts from WovenEmbrace.com that would allow for more funding for the cause.

Last but not least if they would like to make a donation to the cause at PayPal@VeteranAid.org that would be greatly appreciated.

What message would you like to communicate to our readers?

That one person can make a difference.  Together all our voices can make a bigger difference, and rarely will an opportunity come along on this scale to “Pay it Forward” while honoring the sacrifice of service to our brave men and women who pay the price of for our Freedom.

*Please visit my blogs for more information and in particular read the entries titled:

VA vs IRS

Did You Know

Not So Easy After all

Beginnings

http://veteranaid.org/vetblog/