From the NWSA Webmaster
May 6, 2010
I received this email this morning that was positive proof that our Aerograph is not only providing enjoyment to our members, but is also providing a "community outreach" service.
-----Original Message-----
From: Horna, Gerald F CIV NDW ANND, N91
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 8:50 AM
To: webmaster@navalweather.org
Cc: jerry.horna@usa.net
Subject: VA Assistance
The wife of a shipmate that I was stationed with at FWC/JTWC Guam (Kenneth L. Chesmore) called to ask me about contacting a retired Chief Marty Bonk who had inserted info in your latest newsletter about Veterans Administration benefit for those survivors receiving VA compensation. However, the phone number is just a general number (1-800-827-1000). What is The Chief's extension or phone number at his desk - I live in Virginia
and she lives in San Leandro, CA.
At her age and with her lack of mobility I would like to see if we can get someone to help.
Please respond to me at both this and the cc address (I volunteer here at Wash Navy Yard once a week).
Thank You
Gerald Horna
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This is the article from the Aerograph, May 2010, that he is referencing:
= = = = = = =A LITTLE KNOWN VET BENEFITVETERANS NEWS & INFORMATION"AID AND ATTENDANCE"Regardless of your personal status, consider passing this along to all veterans, families of veterans or individuals with veterans in their family. “Aid and Attendance” is an under utilized special monthly pension benefit offered by the Veterans Administration for veterans and surviving spouses who require in-home care or live in nursing homes.To qualify, a veteran (includes the surviving spouse) must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which is during a period of war, and must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.The veteran’s benefit is $18,234 annually (paid monthly) and increases to $21,615 with one dependent. The surviving spouse alone is $11,715 annually. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000
Submitted by AGCM Marty Bonk USN Ret
= = = = = = = = = = =
I did a little research and found the path to use when dialing the VA Administration phone number that gets you to a real human to talk to about this program.
The person I spoke with had indeed heard of the program and said the only way and easiest way to talk directly with someone like I spoke with is to dial:
1-800-827-1000 option 1, option 1 again,
This will take you to a "Regional Office" where real people are.
They seemed like they can provide you with all the information you need and even mentioned "forms" they could provide.
Also, I went to the VA.GOV website and found this document which explains the prograpm. CLICK HERE
I hope this information will useful to someone else.
Thanks to Marty Bonk for getting this all started!
