The Orlando VA Healthcare System is hosting an educational event at the Kissimmee Clinic on Friday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The goal is to help increase an experiencer’s access to support systems without fear of stigma, gender bias, or age discrimination.
The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics and Recreational Therapy (SPORT) Act—The Veterans SPORT Act would add “adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities” to the statute governing which equipment and aids the Department of Veterans Affairs is allowed to grant vets. It is quite inspiring how most post-9/11 veterans who have lost limbs strive to be as active as possible and events like the Invictus Games clearly demonstrate this. Please ask your federal elected representatives to cosponsor and support this Act if you are so inclined. More info is available at https://bit.ly/4eji9md
The Vocation Depot
This organization was an exhibitor at the recent veterans resource fair in St. Cloud. They are an employment services provider for the Florida Dept. of Education-Vocational Rehabilitation. Similar to the federal Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), they can leverage State of Florida disabled veterans programs to provide a variety of programs for employment assistance. Unlike VR&E, the Vocation Depot can assist individuals any number of times, as opposed to your one and only shot using VR&E, and they have veterans on staff there to guide you. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/4gKyVwf
Learn career search skills virtually
The Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) pilot program is an opportunity earned through service for veterans, veterans currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses to take control of their careers through workshops to help meet their employment goals, including virtual sessions on resumes, using LinkedIn, Federal hiring, interviewing, and salary negotiations. Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/3zEP2uH
Get high-tech vocational training
Workshops for Warriors (WFW) is a fully audited, board-governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide quality training, accredited STEM educational programs, and opportunities for veterans and transitioning service members to earn thirdparty nationally recognized credentials in machining and welding for an advanced manufacturing career. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4eGdtqp.
Veterans Disaster Assistance
—Thankfully, most of us in Osceola County dodged any serious damage from recent Hurricane Helene, but most of us know there is always another storm or another season just around the corner. Veterans Affairs has a number of resources for veterans who need assistance after disaster strikes. You can find more information at https://bit.ly/3N6W4va
This is the 50th edition of the Veteran’s Voice column. I am extremely grateful to the News-Gazette editor, Ken Jackson, and the paper’s publisher and owner Rochelle Stidham, for allowing me to the opportunity to provide Osceola’s veterans information that can make our lives better. As always, please send information on events and your feedback to osceolavets@gmail.com.
