June 2023 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

During the month of June, we're celebrating our U.S. Army Veterans on the 248th anniversary of the Army's establishment! To all our Army veterans in Florida's Third Congressional District, we thank you for your bravery and dedication to serving our nation's Armed Forces.

Additionally, information on the one-year special health care enrollment period for post-9/11 combat veterans can be found below. Learn more about eligibility and requirements before the special enrollment period ends.

As always, we welcome your feedback about what you read here, and if there are any events or announcements you'd like to see featured, reach out to us by clicking here. You can also check our website for new updates on our Veterans' Services tab. And as always, if you’re a veteran in FL-03 in need of assistance with any veterans-related issues, please call our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838.

With all that’s happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

In Liberty,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District
 

Celebrating 248 Years Of The United States Army

In the month of June, we're celebrating the 248th birthday of the U.S. Army! For more than two centuries, the brave men and women of the United States Army have worked hard to bravely defend our nation through a variety of conflicts, protecting the freedoms and values we hold dear. 

Thank you to all our U.S. Army veterans for your dedication and service to our nation.

Recognizing National Flag Day  

National Flag Day, celebrated on Wednesday, June 14th, recognizes the day in 1777 when the U.S. approved the design for the first American flag! Not only does the American flag represent our nation's most important values, including those of independence and patriotism, it also holds deep significance for our nation's military. On the battlefield and the homefront, the flag symbolizes the values and freedoms that our men and women fight to protect and defend.

Special Health Care Enrollment Period For Post-9/11 Combat Veterans

You may already know the PACT Act expands health care eligibility for many veterans. One group that may be eligible for expanded benefits are post-9/11 veterans. A one-year special health care enrollment period for post-9/11 combat veterans began on October 1, 2022. Help spread the word before the special enrollment period ends.

If you meet the requirements, you can enroll in VA health care before October 1, 2023.

You can learn more about eligibility and requirements for the special enrollment period here or by clicking the button below.

Emergency Suicide Care & Treatment 

Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any health care facility, at VA, or in the community for emergency health care – including ambulance transportation and related prescriptions – inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, and crisis-related outpatient care for up to 90 days at no out-of-pocket cost.

During a medical or mental health emergency, you should immediately seek care at the nearest emergency department and let staff know you are a veteran. If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
 
You can learn more about emergency suicide care and treatment here, or by clicking the button below.

Informal Conference Information

If you disagree with a benefits decision made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are three decision review options available to you. One of these options is a higher-level review, which is a new review of an issue previously decided by VA based on the evidence of record.

Informal conferences are a unique component of the higher-level review decision review option. An informal conference is a telephone contact which can be selected in connection with a request for a higher-level review. 

You can learn more about informal conferences here or by clicking the button below.

The Governor’s Initiative On Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW) 

The GI LAW offers legal representation in civil cases to help reduce the burden that some veterans and servicemembers may face. Governor DeSantis is committed to ensuring our servicemembers have the support of the state's legal community and its best legal minds. To achieve this goal, the Governor's Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW) will draw from the talent of Florida's leading law firms to provide pro bono services for military members.

Through this initiative, veterans will receive local counsel in a variety of civil matters, including actions in local courts. Participating attorneys will dedicate time and expertise to ensure a prompt and fair resolution of legal matters. 

You can learn more about the GI LAW here or by clicking the button below.

Travel Pay: How to Apply?

Many veterans can be reimbursed for travel costs related to VA health care services. The Beneficiary Travel program helps eligible Veterans receive mileage reimbursement. Many things can make you eligible for travel pay. Find out if you’re eligible and how to file a claim here.

To get help with your claim, call your VA health facility’s Beneficiary Travel contact. To find the travel contact for your facility, call the toll-free call center at 855-574-7292 (TTY: 711).

You can learn more about the VA Beneficiary Travel program here or by clicking the button below.

Travis Mills Foundation Seeks To Help Injured Veterans "Recalibrate"

The Travis Mills Foundation (TMF) supports recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help veterans overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.

TMF supports Veterans through their flagship retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Veterans who have been injured on active duty or as a result of their service receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses-paid, barrier-free experience in Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine's outdoors.

You can learn more about TMF here or by clicking the button below.

Veterans To Farmers Determined To Expand Farming Opportunities For Women Veterans

In 2013, Veterans to Farmers launched to allow veterans to re-utilize those skills while taking on the challenge of continuing to feed our growing nation and securing our food sovereignty. Its classes provide the hands-on training needed to learn about the many ways a veteran may participate in agriculture. Although the word "agriculture" summons to mind rows of food and huge tractors, agriculture is really much, much more, with dozens of ways to contribute.

Since 2013, Veterans to Farmers has trained more than 150 Veterans, preparing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to start a farm, work on a farm, and grow their own food.

You can learn more about Veterans to Farmers here or by clicking the button below.

Veteran's Memorial Of Alachua County

The veteran community of Alachua County takes great pride in the memorial to our veterans. Originally dedicated in 1993, the memorial presents a "Walk Through Time" starting in 1775 through the present year. Each tile block on the walkway represents one year while each brick on the individual monuments represents 1,000 military lives lost. Two hundred sixty-seven names of deceased service members who entered their military service are inscribed on main concourse edifices.

Granite headstones at the flagpole end of the concourse reflect names of 504 University of Florida students who died as a result of our nation's wars.

You can learn more about the memorial here or by clicking the button below.

Veterans' Services Tab On Rep. Cammack's Website

The Veterans' Services tab of Rep. Cammack's website has information on a wide variety of topics, including news from the VA, resources for veterans, and more. These pages are consistently updated so our FL-03 veterans have the most updated information. Additionally, should you need assistance with the VA, our team can help you by opening a case and contacting the VA on your behalf.