Veterans who paid into the Pre 9/11 Montgomery G.I. Bill, and then served post-9/11 were at one time required to choose to receive benefits under one program only, although they were technically eligible for both. A recent Supreme Court decision sorted that out and the VA is now trying to get the word out. This is fairly complicated, so if you think you might qualify, see https://bit.ly/3CeZzxY.
VA Medical Foster Home (MFH) Program—an alternative to nursing homes The MFH program is open to veterans of all ages and demographics, allowing veterans to live in a home environment while receiving personalized care. While in a caregivers’ home, veterans receive one-on-one attention and medical care from the VA’s Home-Based Primary Care teams, which include doctors and nurses who visit the house. Veterans pay caregivers directly, with costs typically ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per month, and financial assistance through VA Pension or Aid and Attendance benefits can help offset expenses. For more information see https:// bit.ly/3PDBtAa.
Thinking of owning a franchise? Try Vetrepreneur
Did you know veterans started FedEx, Nike, and many other famous brands? Vetrepreneur provides three no-cost training opportunities for veterans interested in owning a franchise. The Franchising Workshop is basically a “Franchising 101” course via Zoom. Franchise Coaching is a 10-step, 10-week process with a coach to determine if you are a good fit for franchising, and what type of franchising business might be best for you. The Franchising Academy is going through the Franchise Coaching process, with an individual coach, but also with a group of other like-minded vetrepreneurs. All services are free to military veterans and spouses and the purchase of a franchise is not required. To learn more see https://bit.ly/4hn5XSQ
2025 for veterans—a wild ride?
One sure result of the presidential election is that there will be multiple impacts affecting veterans. A new administration means a new VA secretary. Doug Collins, a former Georgia congressman who also served as a Navy chaplain, has been nominated for the post. He continues to serve as an Air Force Reserve chaplain. J.D. Vance is the first post-9/11 veteran to serve as Vice President, and as a senator he was part of a continuing wave of those veterans serving in the House and Senate, many of whom saw active service in Iraq and Afghanistan. While all of that veteran influence should bode well for the veteran community, the pressure to cut the deficit is immense, and as almost always inevitable, as the sacrifices of the veterans and families of the last conflict start to fade in the public’s memory so can the enthusiasm to do the right thing by them.
Please send along your veteran-related events, concerns, and comments to osceolavets@gmail.com.
