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Events for September

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Useful Information about VA Benefits/Beneficiaries Covered By The PACT Act (Public Law 117-168)

The bipartisan legislation — Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 — is named in honor of an Army National Guard veteran. After deploying to Kosovo and Iraq as a combat medic with the Ohio National Guard, Robinson was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder and stage 4 lung cancer.  He died in May 2020. His widow, Danielle, and their young daughter, Brielle, stood next to the president when he signed the bill into law.The legislation was spearheaded by Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and championed by The American Legion. The legislation will impact generations of veterans by expanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The PACT Act is the most significant expansion of VA health-care benefits and services in more than 30 years and could impact as many as five million veterans. (What you need to know about the PACT Act.)PACT Act Summary and FAQ's

VA PACT Act Survivor Benefits

 

Military & Retirees With ID Cards That Don't Expire Will Need To Replace Them Within 4 Years

Retirees and military family members who have identification cards with no expiration date can choose to upgrade to the new Next Generation Uniform Services Identification, or USID, cards whenever it's convenient -- as long as it's done within the next four years, according to the Defense Department. There is no looming deadline for use of those old non-active duty cards without expiration dates, but the department expects to completely phase out and replace them with the next-generation IDs, which are more durable and have enhanced security features, by 2026, Maj. Charlie Dietz, a spokesman, told Military.com. In the meantime, cards with expiration dates are required to be replaced within 90 days of elapsing. The Defense Department began the effort to update all those IDs to the new format in July 2020, but the changeover hit delays caused by the pandemic.

"DoD plans to phase out and cancel the existing card forms in 2026 when all existing cards with an actual expiration date will have expired," Dietz wrote in an email. "After then, only the USID card will be accepted for installation and benefits access." The USID format for military retirees and dependents represents the first change to those identification cards in nearly 30 years; the last update was in 1993. The new design closely resembles the Common Access Card, or CAC, format issued to active-duty troops and department civilians. But there was uncertainty among those with cards that list the expiration as indefinite. The IDs are needed to access military facilities and to confirm eligibility for various military benefits, so missing a deadline or losing the identification could disrupt cardholders' lives. Expired cards can be confiscated at base gates. Those with cards with no expiration dates "may have the card replaced at their convenience," according to Dietz. The department recommends they go to the ID Card Office Online and use the office locator to find a site that issues the new cards and book an appointment. Retirees and their dependents, dependents of active-duty troops, reserve members and Medal of Honor recipients are among those who will receive the USID cards. A description of the new cards and a complete list of who is eligible can be found here.

Gulf War Plaque Unveiled at State Legislative Building

The American Legion plays a big part in helping with securing a Gulf War Memorial Plaque for the seven Connecticut Soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country during the Gulf War. This has been a 2 1/2 year project as COVID played a big part in delaying the process of securing the plaque. This project started in 2019 when we were approached by capitol security guard Erica O'Conner about how she could go about getting a Gulf War Plaque in memory of not only her cousin, but the other Connecticut soldiers who gave their lives during the Gulf War. John DeBisschop contacted our Headquarters Office and we started contacting our Legislative members on how to go about getting the ball rolling to secure this plaque for our fallen soldiers. Once we had contacted the right people we were off and running and thought we were on track to have something in the spring of 2020, but COVID hit and everything stopped. We waited patiently for over a year, but unfortunately the people we were working with were no longer part of the legislature. Erica was persistent in her quest and once again started talking with some legislative people and this time with the help of Paul Spedaliere and State Senator Kathy Osten the project was off and running again. We once again ran into a small snag as it turns out that these memorials are not funded by the State, but require private funds. The Legion stepped in and put the word out that we needed $500 dollars to secure funding for the plaque and once again our members stepped up to make sure that the funding was available to secure the plaque. 
On July 18, 2022 the Gulf War Plaque was officially unveiled at the State Legislative Building with many in attendance. You can see the unveiling and listen to the Bio's of the seven Connecticut Soldiers who gave their lives using the links below. 
Unveiling of Gulf War Memorial Plaque
Bio's of the Seven Soldiers

Honor Flight Connecticut

Honor Flight Connecticut, a hub of the National Honor Flight Network, recognizes American Veterans for their
sacrifices and achievements by flying you to Washington, DC to see YOUR memorial at no cost. Top priority is
given to WW II Veterans. Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans and terminally ill Veterans from all wars.
Veterans are taken on a first come first served basis. For what you and your comrades have given to
us, please accept this as a small token of appreciation from all of us at Honor Flight Connecticut, Guardians fly with the
Veterans on every flight providing assistance and helping Veterans have a safe memorable and rewarding
experience. Please Note: Veterans are eligible only once for this Honor Flight experience.
Veteran Application

Veteran to Veteran Volunteering for Hospice

Become a Veteran to Veteran Volunteer for Beacon Hospice, they are in need of Veteran Volunteers to spend time with terminally ill patients who are also Veterans. Veteran volunteers are a vital part of the team and provide friendly visits and companionship to the Veterans at their bedside.
If you are a Veteran with a passion for caring for others and looking to serve your fellow Veterans, consider becoming a Veteran Hospice volunteer. See attached flyer for more information.
Veteran to Veteran Volunteer Program

Veteran Car Donations

Why Donate Your Car to Veterans?

  • Donating is quick & easy — This is one reason why we’re the best place to donate a car to charity. Once you contact us, we handle all the details.
  • Pickup and towing is FREE — There’s no need to worry about getting your vehicle to us. We pick it up at a time that’s convenient for you.
  • You may receive a top tax deduction — If you qualify, you could get a tax deduction for your car donation to Veteran Car Donations.
  • We handle all the paperwork — We want to make your donation as simple and convenient as possible.
  • Avoid the costs associated with selling your vehicle — Forget about listing, negotiating, showing or marketing your car. When you donate, you’re free from all those demands.
  • Avoid paying for costly repairs — You can donate a vehicle in any condition, so you don’t have to worry about getting any problems fixed.
  • Auto donations for veterans transform the lives of our heroes — Veteran Car Donations takes the proceeds of your donation and uses them to help our nation’s veterans. Your donation can help us provide transitioning assistance, family support, legal aid, tutoring and more!

https://www.veterancardonations.org/

Legion Act

Attention Cold War Veteran's

The Legion Act has been signed, you are now eligible for membership in The American Legion.

Please contact us to discuss your eligibility and what becoming a member of The American Legion means to you. You can also ask about the achievements of your local Post.

If you are interested in membership, visit our website at www.ctlegion.org and click the "Join Us Today" tab at the top of the page and complete the application.

You can also visit your local American Legion Post. Be sure to have your DD4 or other proof of eligibility available and your membership can be processed immediately.

For additional information, please feel free to contact us at 860-436-9986 or email ctadj@ctlegion.org

 

Join a Post of The American Legion in Connecticut

The American Legion is the nation's largest veterans' service organization.

Chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919, we are a patriotic veterans' organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. We are committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, as well as promoting strong national security and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

In contrast to other veterans' organizations, the Legion offers a number of local programs and activities to strengthen its commitment to our nation's grassroots and the people we serve. American Legion Baseball is one of the nation's most successful amateur athletic programs; it continues to educate youths on the importance of sportsmanship and develops the quality of our country's citizenship. The Heroes to Hometowns program is the only nationwide reintegration assistance service for wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, millions of dollars in donations have been given to fellow veterans and their families in times of grief and various scholarship opportunities ensure the future success of our youth.

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grassroots involvement in the legislation process. Legionnaires' sense of obligation to their community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands not behind politics, but behind the issues and people that institute progress by focusing on veterans' rights and quality of life.

The American Legion's success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives. Contact us to join a post of The American Legion in Connecticut.

Join Us Today