Ebook: by /g/ary

Epic Music Not Played On The Radio
/G\ary L.
Epic Music Not Played On The Radio

VETERANS: Seek Free Help
/G\ary L.
This file was generated by an automated blog to book conversion system. Its use is governed by the licensing terms of the original content hosted at www.epicmusicnotplayedontheradio.com.
Powered by Pothi.com http://pothi.com
Thank you for your service to all who served. U.S. Army Airborne 95-98 NJ/PA Army National Guard 00-05
Preface VETERANS: Seek Free Help Through Your Local State of Veterans Affairs, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans Of Foreign Wars, American Legion A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check payable to "The United States of America" for an amount "up to and including his life." That is honor, there are too many people in this country who no longer understand this. "God Bless Our Veterans" /G\ary L.
Contents
Upcoming Military Related Career Fairs VA WATCHDOG DOT ORG Who can use VRAP? Frequently Asked Questions About the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program Keep Your Feet and Knees Together Airborne! Dealing with PTSD and/or having thoughts about suicide? US MILITARY PAY CHART VETERANS PREFERNCE Take advantage of the benefits you've earned Guess Post From My Wife VA Internship Programs Memorial Bracelets THOSE SEEKING THE TRUTH ATTN: VETERANS Learn What Education Benefit Is Best For You How to Become a Free Mason 1 16 18
28 35
39 56 62 65 69 74 75 78 96 99
Statement In Support of Claim/Re: PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) radio sucks...
124
134
Upcoming Military Related Career Fairs

December 21, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio If you know of a military related job fair that is not listed, please forward the information to airborne_6863@yahoo.com
FIND A CAREER FAIR: 2013 VISIT THIS LIST REGULARLY AS IT IS UPDATED SEVERAL TIMES! 1/09, 13 CareerMD Fair, Omars Carriage House, 313 West Bute Street, Norfolk, VA, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Physicians go to www.careermd.com for details 1/09, Coast to Coast Career Fairs, Marriott Charlotte Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive,Charlotte, NC, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go to www.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com 1/09, CareerMD Fair, Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, Two Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 5:00 to 9:00 PM, for more information PHYSICIANS visit www.careermd.com 1/13-14, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel ~ Lombard, 707 E. Butterfield Road, Chicago, IL, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information.
1/13-14, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites La Jolla, 4550 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 1/13-14, Orion International Hiring Conference, Hotel Sierra, 100 Westage Business Center Drive, Fishkill, NY, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 1/14, 13 Coast to Coast Career Fairs, Holiday Inn-Pittsburgh North Hotel & Conference Center, 4859 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visit www.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com 1/15, TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Event, Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, VA, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Security Clearance REQUIRED. Details at www.TechExpoUSA.com 1/15, JobZone job fair, Patuxent River NAS, Bay District Vol Fire Dept Social Hall, Lexington Park, MD, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com 1/16, 13 Jobs Gone Wild, Harraahs Philadelphia, 777 Harrahs Blvd, Chester, PA, 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, for details go to www.jobsgonewild.com 1/16, 13 US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Conv Ctr Hotel, 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC, 9:00 AM to Noon, for information go towww.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes
1/17, 13 Job Expo.com, Holiday Inn Midtown, 440 West 57th Street, New York, NY, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for additional information visit www.jobexpo.com 1/17, TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Event, BWI Marriott, 1743 West Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Security Clearance REQUIRED. Detail at www.TechExpoUSA.com 1/17, 13 Andrews AFB Chiefs/JobZoneOnline, The Club @ Andrews, Building 1889 Arnold Avenue, Andrews AFB, MD, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information go towww.jobzoneonline.com, Must have access to Andrews Air Force Base 1/20-21, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Hampton Road ~ Hampton, 1700 Coliseum Drive, Norfolk, VA, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visitwww.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 1/20-21, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Houston (Energy Corridor), 11730 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visitwww.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 1/21, National Career fairs, Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road,Dania Beach, FL, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday, 1/21, National Career fairs, Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go
tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday, 1/21-22, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh Crabtree, 4700 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 1/22, 13 Coast to Coast Career Fair, DoubleTree Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge, 301 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com 1/22, National Career fairs, Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre, 31 W Ohio St,Indianapolis, IN, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday, 1/22, National Career fairs, Holiday Inn Hotel, 8787 Reeder Road, Overland Park, KS,11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday, 1/23, National Career fairs, Park Inn by Radisson Dallas Love Field, 1241 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday, 1/23, National Career fairs, The Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/23, 2013 The Military Edge Job Fair, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 825 N. Watson RoadArlington, TX, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details
visit www.themilitaryedge.com Nik, npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. 1/23, Coast to Coast Career Fair, Four Points by Sheraton BWI, 7032 Elm Road, Linthicum Heights, MD, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com 1/24, National Career fairs, Hilton Houston Hobby Airport, 8181 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/24, Cecil County Workforce Center Job Fair, 1275 W. Pulaski Highway, Elkton, MD, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, for details go to www.swnetwork.org, 18 to 21 Yr Olds, Entry Positions 1/24, National Career fairs, Hartford Marriott Farmington, 15 Farm Springs Road,Farmington, CT, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday, 1/25, Corporate Gray Career Fair, Army Navy Club East, 2400 South 18th Street,Arlington, VA, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, for details go to www.corporategray.com, Junior Officers, Clearance NOT required 1/25, Targeted Job Fairs, Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for details go to www.targetedjobfairs.com, Tech/Engg/Sec Cl 1/28, US Chamber/HiringOurHeroes, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, for more information go towww.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes 1/28, United Career Fairs, Crowne Plaza, 6531 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 6:00 PM, for details
to www.unitedcareerfairs.com 1/28, National Career fairs, Norris Conference Center Austin, 2525 West Anderson Lane Suite 365, Austin, TX, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/28, National Career fairs, Crowne Plaza & Suites, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/29, National Career fairs, Doubletree Hotel Cleveland South, 6200 Quarry Lane,Independence, OH, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/29, United Career Fairs, Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, 260 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA, 6 PM, sales and salesa management for details go towww.unitedcareerfairs.com , United Career Fairs, Sheraton Hotel, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA, 6 PM, Sales/Sales Management for details go to www.unitedcareerfairs.com 1/29, The Military Edge Job Fair, Norris ConferenceCenter(Attached to Crossroads Mall) 522 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details visitwww.themilitaryedge.com or Nik, npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. 1/29-30, Advance: Two day National Virtual Career Fair, Visit site NLT 10 minutes prior to the event to verify your login information. URL is: www.advanceweb.com, Live chat 1/29: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Live chat 1/30: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM; Healthcare/Medical
1/30, National Career fairs, Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/30, Catalyst Career Group, The Affinia Manhattan, 371 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, or details visit www.catalystcareergroup.com 1/30, Diversity Job Fairs, Holiday Inn Baltimore Inner Harbor, 301 West Lombard Street,Baltimore, MD, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details visit www.diversityjobfairs.com 1/31, CareerMD Career fair, Houston Hall @ the University, 3702 Spruce Street,Philadelphia, PA, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Physicians for details go to www.careermd.com 1/31, Security Clearance EXPO, Westin Baltimore, BWI, 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Road,Linthicum Heights, MD, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, for details go towww.securityclearanceexpo.com, Security Clearance Required 1/31, Catalyst Career Group, Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel, 640 West Germantown Pike,Plymouth Meeting, PA, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, for details go towww.catalystcareergroup 1/31, US Chamber.com/hiringourheroes/RecruitMilitary, Richmond International Raceway, 600 East Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for details visitwww.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes or www.RecruitMilitary.com 1/31, Military Hiring Event Education & Resource Fair, San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 10am 2pm, Active Duty Military and Spouses & Veterans Please Submit Resumes to: Info@ThePatriotsGrp.com Pre-Register for our Future Events www.ThePatriotsgrp.com/career-fair-support
1/31, National Career fairs, Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal, 7800 Universal Boulevard,Orlando, FL, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 1/31, National Career fairs, Holiday Inn Fishermans Wharf, 1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go tohttp s://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/registrationMonday 2/02, Nemnet Diversity Career Fairs, Winsor School, 103 Pilgrim Road, Boston, MA, Noon to 2:00 Academics, http://www.nemnet.com/ 2/05, CareerMD Career Fair, Hilton New York, 1335 Ave of the Americas, 6th Ave @ 54TH Street, New York City, NY, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, for more details go towww.careermd.com 2/06, Job Expo Career Fair, Long Island Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information go towww.jobexpo.com 2/07, Advance-Virtual Open House, National Virtual Career Fair, Metro Jewish Health System, www.advanceweb.com, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST, Pre-register and then log in atwww.advanceweb.com 10 min early. Visit the site NLT 10 minutes prior to event to verify your login info. Nursing/Therapy/Speech & Language Therapy 2/07, National Career Fairs, Holiday Inn- Cherry Hill NJ, 2175 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.nationalcareerfairs.com
2/07, ClearedJobs.net Career Fair, Westin Tysons Corners, 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Cleared Professionals go towww.clearedjobs.net 2/07, Hire A Patriot, Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, San Diego, CA, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST, For more information please call or email Carolyn Hall atcarol@thepatriotsgrp.com or 714-369-0922, submit your resume at http://www.thepatriotsgrp.com/resumes/register or email them to info@thepatriotsgrp.com, to register go to s://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=44jo7ziab&oeidk 2/7-2/8 Orion International Hiring Conference, DoubleTree Guest Suites Seattle Southcenter, 16500 Southcenter Parkway, , 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visitwww.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information 2/08, US Chamber/hiringourheroes, Greensboro High Point Marriott-Airport, One Marriott Drive, Greensboro, NC, 9:00 AM Noon, for details go towww.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes 2/09, Nemnet Diversity Career Fairs, Newark Academy, 91 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, NJ, Noon to 2:00 PM, Academics, for details go to http://www.nemnet.com/ 2/11, Coast to Coast Career Fairs, Melville Marriott Long Island, 1350 Walt Whitman Road,Melville, NY, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com 2/11, CareerMD Career fair, Georgetown Uni Hotel & Conference Center, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, for details go towww.careermd.com
2/12, Coast to Coast Career Fairs, Hartford Marriott Farmington, 15 Farms Spring Road,Farmington, CT, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com 2/12, National Career Fairs, Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel, 2800 Coliseum Center Drive, Charlotte, NC, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.nationalcareerfairs.com 2/13, Diversity Job Fairs, Doubletreet Hotel Philadelphia, 237 South Broad Street,Philadelphia, PA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.diversityjobfairs.com 2/14, Diversity Job Fairs, Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go to www.diversityjobfairs.com 2/15, IntelligenceCareers, Check back after Feb 8th for hotel and street address, McLean, VA, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Cleared & those who can obtain clearance go towww.intelligencecareers.com for details after Feb. 8th 2/16, Nemnet Diversity Career Fairs, Sidwell Friends School, 3825 Wisconsin Avenue, NW,Washington, DC, Noon to 2:00 PM, Academics, for details go to http://www.nemnet.com/ 2/18-2/19, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel ~ Linthicum, 1300 Concourse Drive, Baltimore, MD, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 2/19, Coast to Coast Career Fairs, The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street, Boston, MA, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go towww.coasttocoastcareerfairs.com
10
2/19, US Chamber/hiringourheroes, American Legion Post #320, 8456 Brock Road,Spotsylvania, VA, 9:00 AM to Noon, for details go towww.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes 2/20, CareerMD Career Fair, Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA, 5:00 to 9:00 PM, Physicians go to www.careermd.com for details 2/20, Diversity Hiring Expos, The Park Expo & Conference Center, 2500 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for details go to www.theparkcharlotte.com orwww.diversityhiringexpos.com 2/21, JobZone job fair, Fort Belvoir-Springfield Focused, American Legion-Springfield, Springfield, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com 2/24-2/25, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Houston (Energy Corridor), 11730 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visitwww.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 2/24-2/25, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel ~ Lombard, 707 E. Butterfield Road, Chicago, IL, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 3/4-3/5, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Houston (Energy Corridor), 11730 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visitwww.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for
11
more information. 3/4-3/5, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites Hotel Atlanta Perimeter Center, 1030 Crown Pointe Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visitwww.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 3/10-11, Orion International Hiring Conference, Embassy Suites La Jolla, 4550 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 3/14, The Military Edge Job Fair, Hilton Houston Southwest, 6780 Southwest Freeway,Houston, TX, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visit www.themilitaryedge.com Nik,npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. 3/20, JobZone and DoDIntelJobs.com Job Fair, Linthicum MD, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, SECURITY CLEARANCE focused, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 3/24-25, Orion International Hiring Conference, Hotel Sierra, 100 Westage Business Center Drive, Fishkill, NY, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Hiring Conference is by invitation only, so please visit www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_hiringconferences.aspx for more information. 3/29, JobZone Job Fair, King George/Dahlgren, 8076 Kings Hwy, Citizens Ctr Bldg, King George, VA , 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 4/16, JobZone Job Fair, Patuxent River NAS, Bay District Vol Fire Dept Social Hall, Lexington Park, MD, 3:00 PMto 7:00 PM, for
12
more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com 4/18, JobZoneOnline.com Job Fair- DC National Guard Armory, 2001 East capitol St. SE,Washington, DC, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com/complete-schedule.aspx 4/24, JobZone Job Fair, Andrews AFB Top III, The Club At the Base, Andrews AFB MD, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 5/08, The Military Edge Job Fair, Norris Conference Center, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visit www.themilitaryedge.com Nik,npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. 5/15, JobZone and DoDIntelJobs.com Job Fair, Reston VA, SECURITY CLEARANCE-focused, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 5/16, Zone Job Fair, Fort Belvoir-Springfield, American Legion, Springfield, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 10:00AM to NOON Vets/Military/Family; NOON to 2:00 PM Open, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 5/22, The Military Edge Job Fair, Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 North 44th Street,,10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visit www.themilitaryedge.com Nik,npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. 6/05, The Military Edge Job Fair, Four Points by Sheraton Huntsville Airport, 1000 Glenn Hearn Blvd, Huntsville, AL, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visit www.themilitaryedge.com or Nik, npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information.
13
6/20, J0bZone Job Fair, Fort Lee (near Petersburg), The Regimental Club, Fort Lee, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 6/28, JobZone Job Fair, King George/Dahlgren, 8076 Kings Hwy, Citizens Center Bldg,King George, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com 7/11, The Military Edge Job Fair, Club Hood (Formally known as Fort Hood Conference Center), 24th & Wainwright (Bldg 5764), Fort Hood, TX, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visitwww.themilitaryedge.com or contact Nik, npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. Military and civilian personnel are invited to this event! 7/17, JobZone Job Fair, Fredericksburg, Expo & Conference Center, Fredericksburg, VA,3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 8/14, JobZone Job Fair, Andrews AFB Top III, The Club At the Base, Andrews AFB, MD, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 8/15, JobZone and DoDIntelJobs.com Job Fair, American Legion-Springfield, Springfield, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, SECURITY CLEARANCE/VETS/MILITARY, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 8/20, JobZone Job Fair, Patuxent River NAS MD, Bay District Vol Fire Dept Social Hall,Lexington Park, MD, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM,for more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com 9/27, JobZone Job Fair, King George/Dahlgren, 8076 Kings Hwy, Citizens Ctr Bldg, King George , VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com
14
10/03, The Military Edge Job Fair, Club Hood (Formally known as Fort Hood Conference Center), 24th & Wainwright (Bldg 5764), Fort Hood, TX, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visitwww.themilitaryedge.com or contact Nik, npatterson@themilitaryedge.com for more information. Military and civilian personnel are invited to this event! 10/9, JobZoneOnline.com Job Fair- DC National Guard Armory, 2001 East capitol St. SE,Washington, DC, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visisthttp s://jobzoneonline.com/complete-schedule.aspx 10/23, JobZone Job Fair, Fort Lee (near Petersburg), The Regimental Club, Fort Lee, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 11/7, JobZone Job Fair, Fort Belvoir-Springfield, American Legion, Springfield, VA, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 10:00 AM to NOON Vets/Military/Family NOON to 2:00 PM Open, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 12/3, JObZone Mini-Job Fair, Bay District Vol Fire Dept Social Hall, Patuxent River NAS,3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com 12/5, JobZone Job Fair, National Guard Armory or Expo Center (tbd), Fredericksburg, VA, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for more information visist http s://jobzoneonline.com
15
VA WATCHDOG DOT ORG

December 21, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio Please use the information provided here to learn more about the VA.
THE BEST WEB-SITE FOR VETERAN INFO....OUTSTANDING!!!!
[click banner below}
Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school, - Albert Einsrein Airborne School .. Ranger School ... Infantry School...
16
etc...
Email <The VAWatchdog@gmail.com> Fax VAWatchdog 1-888-658-5058
17
Who can use VRAP? Frequently Asked Questions About the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program
December 19, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio Frequently Asked Questions About the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) 1) Question: Who can use VRAP? Answer: To qualify, a Veteran must: Be at least 35 and no more than 60 Be unemployed Have an other than dishonorable discharge Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g., the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Employment Assistance) Vocational Rehabilitation and
Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program 2) Question: What can I use the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program for? Answer: Participants must enroll in a program approved for VA
18
benefits offered by a Community College or Technical School. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate and train you in a high demand occupation. 3) Question: Can I pursue an Associates degree or certificate program at a 4year school? Answer: VRAP only provides assistance for approved training offered at community colleges and technical schools. The term community college includes those educational institutions listed on the Department of Education's National Center for Educational Statistics College Navigator website as 2-year institutions. 4) Question: How much does the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program pay? Answer: You may receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full time payment rate under the Montgomery GI BillActive Duty program. 5) Question: Is this like the Post- 9/11 GI Bill and how VA pays for my tuition and fees?
19
Answer: No. The benefit will be paid directly to you and you are responsible for paying your expenses including tuition, fees, and books. 6) Question: When will I get a payment? Answer: Training under VRAP may begin on or after July 1, 2012. Payments will be issued at the beginning of each month for training pursued the previous month. For example, VA will issue payments at the beginning of August 2012 for training pursued in July 2012. Before you can get paid your school must submit your enrollment information to VA and you must verify your attendance. You will be notified when VA has processed the enrollment information received from your school. You may verify your enrollment online via the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) by clicking on the Last updated 10/22/2012 Verify Attendance button on the GI Bill website. You may also verify your attendance via telephone by calling 1-877 VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378). 7) Question: What will happen when I finish my program? Answer: DOL will provide employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of their program.
20
8) Question: What happens if I dont complete the program? Answer: VA will not take any adverse action against you if you do not complete your program. VA will pay up to 12 months of benefits for qualifying training under VRAP. DOL will offer you employment assistance when you stop training even if you do not complete your program. Additional employment resources can also be found at My Next Move for Veterans for those who don't complete their VRAP program. 9) Question: What is considered unemployed? Answer: DOL defines unemployed as, people who are jobless, looking for jobs, and available for work. All three criteria must be met to be considered unemployed. 10) Question: What do I do if I need a job now? Answer: There are extensive employment resources available for Veterans provided by the Federal Government. Visit www.fedshirevets.gov and the Department of Labors www.DOL.gov/vets to learn more. 11) Question: What if my program is only 3 months long? 18 months long? Answer: VRAP provides up to 12 months of training assistance
21
to unemployed Veterans. If your training program is three months then VA will pay you three months of benefits. If your training program is 18 months long, VA will only pay up to 12 months. 12) Question: Can I apply for benefits before I start training? Answer: Yes, the earlier the better as applications may be received through October 1, 2013, or once we have 99,000 participants, whichever comes first. 13) Question: I was told I do not qualify. How do I appeal this decision? Answer: You must apply for benefits to receive a formal eligibility determination. If you are determined ineligible for VRAP benefits, you will receive a notification letter that includes information regarding your appeal rights and instructions to appeal the decision. 14) Question: I dont have an active bank account; must I have one to apply? Answer: You do not have to have an active bank account to apply for VRAP. However, to meet the Department of Treasury mandate to issue all Federal benefit
22
payments electronically, we encourage you to provide direct deposit information. If do not have or are not eligible for a checking or savings account may qualify for an Electronic Transfer Account (ETA). More information on the ETA account is available at https://www.eta-find.gov.
Last updated 10/22/2012 15) Question: Im over the age of 60. What benefits are available for me? Answer: There are extensive employment resources available for Veterans provided by the Federal Government. Visit www.fedshirevets.gov and the Department of Labors www.DOL.gov/vets to learn more. We also encourage you to call us at 1(800) 8271000 to speak with a representative and learn about the different kinds of benefits you may be eligible to receive. 16) Question: Am I eligible for VRAP if I transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill to my dependent(s) and/or spouse? Answer: It depends on how much Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement you transferred. You may be eligible for VRAP if you transferred all unused Post-9/11
23
GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent child. Remember, to qualify for VRAP you cannot be eligible for an education program administered by VA. 17) Question: Why is there a restriction on the age of unemployed Veterans to take advantage of VRAP? Answer: The Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 specifically limited VRAP participation to Veterans who are at least 35 and no older than 60. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, about half of all unemployed Veterans fall in that age range. 18) Question: When, where and how can I apply? Answer: We are accepting VRAP applications now. Please visit eBenefits to apply. To complete the application, you will need to know your direct deposit information (bank routing number and account number), the name and location of your school, the program you wish to pursue, and the applicable high demand occupation. 19) Question: Is there a paper application anywhere? I dont have a computer now what? Answer: VRAP applications are only accepted electronically. If
24
you need assistance completing and submitting the online application you may visit your Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER)/Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist or One-Stop Career Shop. You may also receive assistance by visiting the nearest VA Regional Office. Click here for a listing of VA Regional Offices. 20) Question: When and how will I find out if Ive been approved? Answer: Once an eligibility determination is made, a notification letter will be mailed to you. To obtain the status of your VRAP claim, you may send an electronic inquiry (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) on our website, www.gibill.va.gov by clicking the Submit a Question button. You may also call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 (Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, CST). 21) Question: Can I use VRAP if I am not a full-time student? Answer: No, VRAP benefits can only be paid for training pursued on a full-time basis.
22) Question: What is advance payment and how do I get
25
it? Answer: Advance payment is a payment at the beginning of the term that combines your first partial month of benefits with your first full month. If your school agrees to handle advance payments, you may receive this combined payment at the beginning of your term. We send the advance payment check to your school for you to pick up, so check with your School Certifying Official to see if your school participates. To receive an advance payment: You must request advance payment from your school You must have a break of at least 30 days before the start of the term and VA must receive your enrollment certification at least 30 days before your classes start.
Heres an example of how advance payment works: If your enrollment starts on August 25th, your first payment will be for the period August 25th through September 30th. VA will mail the advance payment to your school for you to pick up. Since GI Bill benefits are paid at the end of the month, your next payment for October 1 - October 31 will be issued in early November. In this example you wont need to verify attendance until October 31.
26
If you reduce your enrollment or withdraw from all courses during the period covered by and advance payment, you will have an overpayment that VA is required to collect form you if you cash the check. If you think the amount of a VA check is incorrect, contact VA before cashing the check. 23.) Can I Change My Program Of Study Or My School If I'm Already Using VRAP? Answer: If you've received any VRAP payments and want to change to a different school, all credits earned under your initial VRAP enrollment must transfer to your new school. If they don't, you won't receive further payments under VRAP. If you have received any VRAP payments, you won't be allowed to change to another program of study - even at the same school - unless all your credits transfer to your new program. If you haven't gotten any VRAP payments and you want to train in a different program or at a different school you must submit a new "Application for VRAP Benefits" (VA Form 22-1990R) listing the new school and/or program of study. http://www.acot.edu/pages/veterans-retraining-assistance-program
27
Keep Your Feet and Knees Together Airborne!

December 15, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio
Keep Your Airborne!
Feet
and
Knees
Together
"TEN MINUTES!" cried the jumpmaster over the thunderous drone of the four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines. "Ten minutes, ten minutes, ten minutes!" the ninety aspiring jumpers called back wanly, looks of trepidation on their faces. Of those ninety, the ten minute warning was only relevant to the thirty clustered closest to the rear of the Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft. The others would have to wait for the next pass over Friar Drop Zone in Fort Benning, Georgia. I was one of those thirty, roster number 306, and had already watched with a mixture of amazement and horror as the thirty before us had been fed, one at a time, out both jump doors into the waiting maw of the unknown. We had prepared for this moment, to be sure, for all of the previous two weeks. The United States Army would never ask one of its soldiers to perform any task, however mundane, without first providing a detailed block of instruction. During those first two weeks of Airborne school, we had been introduced to the T-10 parachute and the MIRPS (Modified Improved Reserve Parachute System), been taught how properly to land ("Hit, shift and rotate.
28
Kick your legs up and over. Activate your canopy release assembly."), been told what to do in case of a mid-air entanglement or a water, power line, or tree landing, and been thoroughly indoctrinated into the history of the Airborne, from the first test platoon in 1940, to the Rangers' jump into a hailstorm of bullets over Panama in 1989. Prepared, yes, but ready? Absolutely not, we would have said. No one, we thought, could possibly become inured to plummeting one thousand two hundred fifty feet out of a moving aircraft, suspended only by a few square yards of thin nylon fabric. "What have we gotten ourselves into?" we all asked ourselves. Only the engines would answer us with their continuing mind-numbing roar. "GET READY!" came the next command from the jumpmaster. This was the moment of truth. True, I could always quit the course. It was incredibly easy to do. I would merely need to get the attention of the closest jumpmaster or safety, and tell him I didn't want to jump. I would be moved forward in the aircraft, so as not to interfere with the other jumpers, and be told to stay there. Then, when the aircraft landed, I would do the duffel-bag drag, as it's called, over to the holdover company, where all the quitters and failures went. After I had spent a few lousy weeks sweltering under the hot June sun, mowing grass maybe, or painting rocks, I would be given orders to some non-Airborne assignment, such as Korea or Fort Drum, and I would be told never to come back. Nobody outside the Airborne community would think any less of me. But quitting is never really an option for me. Once I have made up my mind to do something, I will follow though. I detest the bitter taste of failure, especially when made all the more unpalatable by being voluntary. "OUTBOARD PERSONNEL STAND UP!" called the jumpmaster.
29
The soldiers across from me struggled to their feet, encumbered as much by the bulkiness of the parachute as by the wild bucking of the aircraft. One of the female West Point cadets, roster number C54, I think, tumbled forward into the reserve parachute of someone seated to my right. She, being short, blond, and a future officer, had always gone out of her way to act tough and aloof. But the look of unreasoning terror in her eyes as she unsteadily rose to her feet again laid to waste all of her earlier posturing. Being in the throes of our own terror, we pretended not to notice. Roster number 308, seated next to me, turned in my direction and shouted something to me which I couldn't hear over the noise from the plane. From his tone and the look on his face, though, it was obvious that he was saying some words of encouragement. "Airborne!" I yelled back as enthusiastically as possible, giving him my most ebullient thumbs up. "INBOARD PERSONNEL STAND UP!" was the next jump command. Because I was sitting in the center section of the aircraft, this was the first command that required me to take action. I, along with the other six jumpers of my thirty person stick who were on the same row of jump seats as me, threw my weight forward in a desperate attempt to shift myself into a more or less standing position. Since I had taken the Airborne instructors' advice about properly tightening my parachute harness, the best I could manage was a tall and slender parody of Dr. Frankenstein's hunchbacked assistant. "HOOK UP!" we were commanded. We bounced and rolled as the plane bounced and rolled, trying to get the hook on the end of our static line around the anchor line cable. The static line, fifteen feet long, slender as a whip, bright
30
yellow, and with a tensile strength of over six thousand pounds, by virtue of being connected to the aircraft via the anchor line cable, pulled the D bag off of the parachute, and thence the parachute off of the pack tray, and out into the open air, enabling the parachute to open with no action required of the jumper beyond a step into emptiness. This, of course, presupposed that we could get our limbs to stop shaking long enough to lock the snap link at the end of the static line. The plane bucked, and finally, CLICK. The snap link closed, and I was tethered to the plane. I traced the static line down, making sure it was correctly routed over my shoulder, and finally grasped a four-inch bight in my right hand, which had previously been guarding my reserve parachute's ripcord grip. "CHECK STATIC LINES!" we were ordered. I again traced my static line down from the place where it met the anchor line cable, through the four-inch bight, and back toward my shoulder. I then traced the static line of roster number 307, who had previously been sitting across from me, over his shoulder, down, down, zig-zagging through the retaining bands on the outside of his parachute pack, and into the center, where the four flaps met and were held closed by a thin line of white cotton string, while roster number 305 checked mine in exactly the same manner. "CHECK EQUIPMENT!" we heard, and we did. I traced the chin strap of my ballistic helmet from left to right, and then the parachutists' retaining straps, first left, then right, from the rear forward. Then I inspected both my leg strap quick releases and my chest strap quick release. These three clips, all rated above two thousand pounds, kept my body firmly secured in the parachute harness during even the most violent opening shock. They were
31
correctly fastened, as they had been two hours before, when I donned my parachute; as they had been one hour before, when I boarded the aircraft; as they had been five minutes before, when I checked them for the millionth time. This done, I checked roster number 307's equipment. His, too, was well in order. "SOUND OFF FOR EQUIPMENT CHECK!" bellowed the jumpmaster, his hands behind his ears in the familiar gesture. "OK!" "OK!" "OK!" "OK!" the jumpers called, one after the other. When I felt a smack and heard roster number 305, I, too, called, "OK!" The cry went up the line until the last jumper yelled, "ALL OK JUMPMASTER!" The safety scuttled by, rechecking all of our static lines and equipment, and admonishing us to look the jumpmaster in the eyes as we handed him our static lines. Centuries passed. The aircraft was now in its final approach to the drop zone. The jumpmaster waited for word from the pilot. We waited for word from the jumpmaster. The plane continued to roll and yaw as it encountered choppy air close to the ground. The four engines increased their roar slightly as the pilot inched the throttle forward. The jumper on the other side of the aircraft looked at me and our eyes locked for a brief instant. He would be swept out of the other jump door within one second of the time when I went out mine. "ONE MINUTE!" An invisible signal had arrived from the cockpit. The index fingers of our free hands shot up, a mirror image of the jumpmaster. I felt sweat slide down my face, although the air rushing in through the open jump doors was keeping the cabin cool. The jumpmaster leaned out of the door, checking for any potential hazards, and then leaned back in. "THIRTY SECONDS!"
32
My heart skipped a beat just before pumping adrenaline through my system. "STAND BY!" The first jumper in line handed off his static line to the jumpmaster, and pivoted to face the door. The rest of us shuffled forward a half step. I could hear my heart over the deafening drone of the engines. We were just then clearing the leading edge of the drop zone. "GO!" The first jumper disappeared, his static line quivering as it tore the D bag off of his parachute. A second later, the first jumper on the other side, too, disappeared. These first two voluntary sacrifices were followed by the rest of us, one at a time. I shuffled forward until my eyes met those of the jumpmaster. I handed him my static line, pivoted, stepped, and was ripped out of the aircraft by the wash from the turboprops. Elbows tucked into my side. Chin on my chest. Feet and knees tight together. I could hear the quiet snapping as my static line freed itself from the retaining bands, the clink of metal as my risers slowly deployed. "One thousand, two thousand!" I counted. More than four thousand and I would pull my reserve. "Three thousa-" I felt, more than heard, the loud WHUMP as my parachute filled with air, scattering my limbs every which way. Safe! My parachute had deployed in exactly the same manner as I'd feared it wouldn't. All that remained now was a short ride to the ground where I'd turn in my parachute and wait for the bus to take us back. All fear and nervousness had evaporated. As I slowly floated down, my mind cleared and I entered an almost meditative state. I was able to see how truly amazing an experience
33
this had been. I have jumped many times since then, but the fear will never come back. In its place will always be an excitement, a nervous anticipation. Nothing I have ever done before or since can compare with the feeling of complete weightlessness, both physically and mentally, that only comes with taking a leap of faith into an abyss of the unknown.
34
Dealing with PTSD and/or having thoughts about suicide?

December 15, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio I Have PTSD... So What? Here's what PTSD is like, and why people kill themselves over it. Think of life like a cave. If I send you into a cave with a lantern and tell you there are no bears in the cave, you feel safe. You will walk around the cave and enjoy yourself. Now what if I give you a lantern and a gun and tell you that there is a bear in there? You can still go down, but you'll be careful to look for the bear and ready to run or shoot if you see it. Now, what if I send you down there with a gun but no lantern and simply say "bear" to you? Pretty soon, you're in there, you can't see the way out, and every rock you bump into feels like a bear. After a long enough time being down in the cave, you realize you don't have enough ammo to shoot everything that might be a bear. It has nothing to do with running out of food or water or feeling like you're fighting some unwinnable battle with the bear. You just get sick and tired of the uncertainty. Are you going to live through the night? Are you going to wake up to a bear gnawing your intestines? You get to the point where you just wish the bear would come along and end it. And when he doesn't come, you decide to do it yourself.
35
another article worth the read about suicide and ptsd: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2119337-2,00.htm
A collection of other excellent articles about the unique struggles faced by veterans:http://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/131kw8/in_honor_of_v
military resources if needed http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/default.asp Military Crisis Line - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - Press 1 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Military One Source - 1-800-342-9647 The Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) - 1-866-966-1020 Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline - 1-800-984-8523 US Department of Veteran Affairs Mental Health Homecoming for Veterans - Neurofeedback treatment being offered at no cost for veterans suffering from PTSD through a network of clinicians across the country NAMI where to find support for veterans IAVA Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors Million Veteran Program National Center for Telehealth and Technology Suicide Outreach Dry Hootch - "helping the veteran and their families who survived the war, survive the peace"
36
The Mission Continues Life after war: Resources to help veterans get back on their feet http://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/xkbmg/vets_do_you_suffer_from http://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/10xz9f/three_marines_three_re US Vets Initiative Bob Woodruff Foundation Department of Defense Suicide Event Report Hidden Wounds - provides peace of mind and comfort for military personnel suffering from PTSD and TBI until the Veterans Affairs can deliver long-term care Suicide Prevention in the Military Returning Veterans Project Army Suicide Prevention Suicide hotline available for deployed soldiers Veterans Crisis Line Vet2Vet PTSD USA USO PTSD Service DogsMDMA on PTSD Wounded Warrior Project MDMA/PTSD U.S. Study (Veterans of War) Fatigues to Fabulous Diary of A Veteran's Wife How Dogs Help Veterans Overcome PTSD Instinctive Guardians- Veteran owned, they breed and train specifically for PTSD
37
Getting Rid Of Repeating Nightmares: A Simple, Potent, New Recipe Military PTSD: All-Star Scientists Start Mental Health Mega-Project Military wives go topless for PTSD Combat Stress in Afghanistan Could Alter Soldiers Long-term Neural Makeup A New Theory of PTSD and Veterans: Moral Injury CBT that Recruits Sense of Smell Shows Success for Combat-Related Traumatic Stress
Please let me know if there is anything I should add
38
US MILITARY PAY CHART

US MILITARY PAY CHART

The Military Pay Chart supplies the latest information on the current pay scale of the United States military. The site provides a useful view of current pay levels as well as intended future increases while also showcasing helpful comparisons to pay scales past. Our pay charts are handily arranged by major branch of service and further broken down into specific military ranks to help you along. Updated yearly, our pay chart follows in line with the latest information as disclosed by the United States Defense Finance and Accounting Service department unveiled publicly every January this information being based on the current years defense budget.
Military Personnel Pay & Allowance Budgets
39
Branch
Personnel Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers
2012 Data $30.178 Billion $14.027 Billion $9.788 Billion $2.923 Billion $17.565 Billion $9.625 Billion $17.696 Billion $7.977 Billion
2013 Data (Projected) $29.858 Billion $14.067 Billion $9.664 Billion $2.866 Billion $17.357 Billion $9.532 Billion $17.614 Billion $8.006 Billion
2012 Military Pay and Defense Spending Stats

1.6% pay increase from 2011 Total defense budget of $553.1 billion, a 4.2% increase over 2011 budge
Military Pay Tables - 1949 to 2012 The following pay tables are provided for reference use only and not for official purposes. The effective dates of certain pay rates may differ from dates for various allotments and other pay entitlements.
Pay tables are presented in .pdf (Acrobat) format. Free viewer software is available online
40
1949-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009 2010-Present Oct 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, 1949 May 1980 1990 2010 1970 2000 1, 1952 Oct 1, Jan 1, Jul 1, 2000 Jan 1, Jan 1, Apr 1, 1981 1991 2011 1971 Jan 1, 1955 Oct 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Oct 1, 2001 Jun 1, 1982 1992 2012 1971 Jul 1, 2001 1958 Jan 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Oct 1, 1984 1993 1972 2002 1963 Jan 1, Jan 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, Sep 1, 1985 1994 1972 2003 1964 Jan 1, Jan 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, Sep 1, 1987 1995 1973 2004 1965 Jan 1, Jan 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, Jul 1, 1966 1988 1996 1974 2005 Oct 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, 1967 1989 1997 1975 2006 Jul 1, 1968 Oct 1, Jan 1, Jan 1, Jul 1, 1969 1998 1976 2007 Jan 1, Oct 1, Apr 1, 1999 1977 2007 Oct 1, Jan 1, 1978 2008 Oct 1, Jan 1, 1979 2009 2013 Basic Enlisted Military Pay Chart (1.7% proposed)
41
Years of Service Pay Grade E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3 E-2 E-1 E-1 with less than 4 months of service Less than 2 2725 2357 2159 1980 1787 1700 1516 1403 Over 2 Over 3 Over 4 2974 2594 2304 2081 1900 1700 1516 3088 2708 2416 2194 2015 1700 1516 3239 2819 2530 2305 2015 1700 1516 Over 6 3357 2935 2707 2403 2015 1700 1516
Find a college; use your benefits.
42
Your Zip Code: Online Campus Both
Subject: - Select All Subjects - Art and Design (All) Accessory Design Acting Art Commercial & Advertising Art and Design Desktop Publishing Graphic Design Animation Computer Graphics Game Art and Design Music Musical Theory Photography Commercial Photography Digital Photography Business (All) Accounting Accounting Technology Fraud Examination and Management Bookkeeping CPA Certified Public Accountant Forensic Accounting Taxation Advertising Business Administration Economics Entrepreneurship Finance Banking Financial Analysis Financial Planning Human Resources Real Estate Communications and Media (All) Corporate Communications Communications Digital Communications Film Production and Editing Graphic Communications Journalism Multimedia Communications Music Production Computer Applications Computer Engineering Computer Science Computer Prog. - Software Dev. Computer Game Programming Web Design Web Development Internet Systems Information Technology Information Systems Database Administration Database Design and Development Criminal Justice, Legal and Safety (All) Crime Scene Investigation Criminal Justice Administration Criminology Forensic Science and Technology Emergency and Crisis Management Fire Science Fire Services Administration Homeland Security and Terrorism Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement Police Law School Legal Studies Court Reporting - Legal Transcription Legal Administration and Assisting Culinary Arts (All) Baking and Pastry Arts Catering Cooking Restaurant and Culinary Management Education and Teaching (All) Education Administration Child Care Services and Management Early Childhood Education Administration Higher Education Administration Education Leadership Education Technology Instructional Design Teaching Special Education and Teaching Engineering and Architecture (All) General Engineering Aerospace Engineering Architectural Engineering Automotive Engineering Biomedical Engineering Biotechnology Engineering Civil Engineering Construction Engineering Electrical Engineering Electronics Engineering Environmental Engineering Industrial Engineering Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering Alternative Power Generation Technology Architecture CAD CADD Computer Aided Drafting Design AutoCAD Engineering Technology Industrial Technology Quality Control Technology Health, Healthcare and Nursing (All) Allied Health Alternative Medicine Acupuncture Aromatherapy Asian Medicine Herbalism Naturopathic Medicine Dental Assisting Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic Surgical Technology X-Ray Technology Laboratory Science Histologic Technology Phlebotomy Physicians Assistant NP Nurse Practitioner Nurse Assisting Nursing Administration Nursing Education Nursing Specialties RN Registered Nursing RN to BSN - Registered Nursing to Bachelor of Science Nursing RN to MSN - Registered Nursing to Master of Science Nursing Optician Optical Assistant Pharmaceutical Science Pharmacy Assisting Pharmacy Technology Public Health Liberal Arts (All) Behavioral Sciences Distance Learning English Literature Geography History Art History Military History Human Development Human Services Humanities International Relations Interpreter Training Ministerial Studies Philosophy Political Science Public Policy Religious Studies Bioinformatics Biology Environmental Management Environmental Science Mathematics Mortuary Science and Funeral Studies Psychology, Counseling and Mental Health (All) Counseling Industrial and Organizational Psychology Sport Psychology Psychiatry Vocational and Trade (All) Appliance Installation and Repair Aviation Airplane Piloting Airport Management Construction Building Inspection Building Maintenance and Improvement Carpentry Construction Management Electrician HVAC Landscaping - Groundskeeping Plumbing Gunsmithing Heavy Equipment Operation Locksmithing and Safe Repair Mechanic Trades Aircraft Mechanics Auto Mechanics Autobody - Collision and Repair Avionics Maintenance Diesel Mechanics Marine Mechanics Motorcycle Mechanics Small Engine Repair Truck Driving - Commercial Vehicle Operation Welding Degree: - Select All Degrees - Associate's Bachelor's Master's Doctoral Certificates Diplomas Coursework MBA
Pay Grade E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3
Years of Service Over 8 Over 10 4789 3920 3559 3197 2894 2403 2015 4094 3673 3298 3046 2403 2015 Over 12 4897 4201 3876 3495 3064 2403 2015 Over 14 5034 4330 4044 3556 3064 2403 2015 Over 16 5195 4469 4159 3600 3064 2403 2015
43
E-2 E-1 Pay Grade E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3 E-2 E-1
1700 1516
1700 1516
1700 1516
1700 1516
1700 1516
Years of Service Over 18 5357 4721 4281 3651 3064 2403 2015 1700 1516 Over 20 5618 4848 4328 3651 3064 2403 2015 1700 1516 Over 22 5837 5065 4487 3651 3064 2403 2015 1700 1516 Over 24 6069 5185 4573 3651 3064 2403 2015 1700 1516 Over 26 6423 5481 4898 3651 3064 2403 2015 1700 1516
Enlisted Over 30 Years of Service Pay Grade E-9 E-8 Years of Service Over 30 6743 5591 Over 34 7081 5591 Over 38 7435 5591 Over 40 Make room Retire!!
The United States military has various pays which are not included these pay tables. They include, but not limited to, Submarine Duty Pay, Hazardous Duty, Imminent Danger Pay (Combat Pay), Sea Pay, aircrew-flight pay, Special Duty Pay (SDAP). You must be
44
assigned in an available billet in the required field/location to draw additional pay status. The US military also has various allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Cost of living Allowance (COLA) and Clothing Allowance just to name a few. Return to Top 2013 Basic Officer Military Pay Chart (1.7% proposed) Years of Service
PayGrade
Under 2 9848 8182 6065 5056 4362 3835 3314 2876
Over 2 10170 8563 6663 5696 5050 4348 3774 2994
Over 3 10384 8739 7100 6090 5387 4693 4347 3619
Over 4 10444 8878 7100 6164 5462 5117 4494 3619
Over 6 10711 9132 7127 6410 5775 5362 4586 3619
O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1
Commissioned Officer With Over 4 Years of Active Service as an Enlisted Member or Warrant Officer See Note 2 O-3E O-2E Under 2 Over 2 Over 3 Over 4 5117 4494 Over 6 5362 4586
45
O-1E Warrant Officers Under 2 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 3964 3619 3203 2811 Over 2 4264 3770 3506 3114 Over 3 4386 3925 3599 3195
3619
3865
Over 4 4507 3976 3663 3367
Over 6 4714 4138 3871 3571
Are you aware of all the various loan products that the Veteran's Administration mortgage guaranty will cover? It goes way beyond just new home loans; for instance, it will also guarantee qualified interest-rate-reduction refinance home loans, and more. Pay Grade O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1 Years of Service Over 8 11158 9382 7433 6557 6110 5631 4586 3619 Over 10 11262 9671 7473 6881 6528 5805 4586 3619 Over 12 11666 9959 7473 7118 6853 6091 4586 3619 Over 14 11806 10249 7898 7425 7079 6240 4586 3619 Over 16 12172 11158 8649 7895 7209 6240 4586 3619
Commissioned Officer With Over 4 Years of Active Service as an Enlisted Member or Warrant Officer
46
See Note 2 O-3E O-2E O-1E
Over 8 5631 4732 4008
Over 10 5805 4979 4154
Over 12 6091 5169 4297
Over 14 6332 5311 4494
Over 16 6471 5311 4494
Warrant Officers Over 8 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 Pay Grade O-10 See Note 1 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 12700 11925 9090 8118 7284 4919 4457 4194 3870 Over 10 5127 4789 4354 4011 Over 12 5440 4945 4512 4206 Years of Service Over 18 Over 20 15913 13918 13187 11925 9530 8339 7284 Over 22 15991 14119 13512 11925 9781 8590 7284 Over 24 16323 14408 13512 11925 10034 8590 7284 Over 26 16903 14913 13512 11986 10527 8590 7284 Over 14 5714 5126 4704 4398 Over 16 5974 5313 4854 4550
47
O-3 O-2 O-1
6240 4586 3619
6240 4586 3619
6240 4586 3619
6240 4586 3619
6240 4586 3619
Commissioned Officer With Over 4 Years of Active Service as an Enlisted Member or Warrant Officer See Note 2 O-3E O-2E O-1E Over 18 6659 5311 4494 Over 20 6659 5311 4494 Over 22 6659 5311 4494 Over 24 6659 5311 4494 Over 26 6659 5311 4494
Warrant Officers Over 18 W-5 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 6187 5648 4991 4689 Over 20 7048 6396 5874 5154 4858 Over 22 7405 6701 6010 5261 4858 Over 24 7672 6952 6154 5346 4858 Over 26 7966 7239 6349 5346 4858
Commissioned Officers Over 30 Years of Service Pay Grade O-10 O-9 Years of Service Over 30 17748 15659 Over 34 18635 16442 Over 38 19567 17264 Over 40 Time for
Retirement!
48
O-8 O-7 O-6
13850 12225 10737
14197 12225 10737
14197 12225 10737
Retire!! Retire!! Retire!!
Warrant Officers Over 30 Years of Service Pay Grade W-5 W-4 Years of Service Over 30 8365 7383 Over 34 8783 7383 Over 38 9223 7383 Over 40 Make room you're old!!
NOTE 1. Basic pay for an O-7 to O-10 is limited by Level II of the Executive Schedule. Basic pay for O-6 and below is limited by Level V of the Executive Schedule. NOTE 2. Applicable to O-1 to O-3 with at least four years & one day of active duty or more than 1460 points as a warrant and/or enlisted member. See DoDFMR for more detailed explanation on who is eligible for this special basic pay rate. Return to Top
2013 Monthly Reserve/Guard Enlisted Drill Military Pay Scales (1.7% proposed) Years of Service Pay Grade Less than 2 Over 2 Over 3 Over 4 Over 6
49
E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3 E-2 E-1 E-1 with less than 4 months of service Pay Grade E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3 E-2 E-1 522 475 425 386 321 269 226 203
362 314 288 264 238 226 203 188
396 346 308 277 253 226 203
412 361 322 293 269 226 203
432 376 337 308 269 226 203
447 391 361 321 269 226 203
Years of Service Over 8 Over 10 638 546 490 440 406 321 269 226 203 Over 12 653 560 517 466 408 321 269 226 203 Over 14 672 577 540 475 408 321 269 226 203 Over 16 692 595 555 480 408 321 269 226 203
50
Pay Grade E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3 E-2 E-1
Years of Service Over 18 714 629 571 486 408 321 269 226 203 Over 20 749 647 577 486 408 321 269 226 203 Over 22 778 675 598 486 408 321 269 226 203 Over 24 809 691 610 486 408 321 269 226 203 Over 26 855 731 653 486 408 321 269 226 203
Return to Top 2013 Monthly Basic Reserve/Guard Officer Military Pay Scale (1.7% proposed) Pay Grade O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 Years of Service Under 2 1091 808 674 582 511 Over 2 1141 888 760 674 589 Over 3 1166 947 813 718 626 Over 4 1184 947 822 728 683 Over 6 1218 950 854 770 715
51
O-2 O-1
442 384
504 398
580 482
599 482
611 482
Commissioned Officer With Over 4 Years of Active Service as an Enlisted Member or Warrant Officer See Note 2 O-3E O-2E O-1E Warrant Officers Under 2 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 Pay Grade O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 529 482 427 375 Over 2 569 503 467 415 Over 3 585 523 480 425 Years of Service Over 8 1252 991 874 815 751 Over 10 1289 997 917 870 773 Over 12 1328 997 949 913 813 Over 14 1366 1053 990 943 832 Over 16 1487 1153 1053 962 832 Over 4 601 530 489 449 Over 6 628 552 516 476 Under 2 Over 2 Over 3 Over 4 683 599 482 Over 6 715 611 516
52
O-2 O-1
611 482
611 482
611 482
611 482
611 482
Warrant Officers Over 8 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 Return to Top Pay Grade O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 Years of Service Over 18 1590 1212 1082 870 Over 20 1590 1271 1112 870 Over 22 1590 1304 1145 870 Over 24 1590 1338 1145 870 Over 26 1598 1404 1145 870 655 595 559 516 Over 10 683 638 581 535 Over 12 725 660 601 561 Over 14 762 684 627 586 Over 16 796 709 647 607
53
O-3 O-2 O-1
832 611 482
832 611 482
832 611 482
832 611 482
832 611 482
Warrant Officers Over 18 W-5 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 826 754 665 625 Over 20 939 853 783 687 648 Over 22 987 894 802 702 648 Over 24 1023 927 820 713 648 Over 26 1062 965 846 713 648
54
Blog it! To add a link to this chart from a discussion board, just copy paste! http://www.navycs.com/2013-military-pay-chart.html - 2013 Military Pay Chart http://www.navycs.com/2013-military-pay-chart.html#enlisted-paycharts - 2013 Enlisted Pay Scale http://www.navycs.com/2013-military-pay-chart.html#officer-pay-chart - 2013 Officer Pay Scale
Note: The Guard and Reserve pay scale amounts are based on a typical months payment for 4 drills. E pay scale is Enlisted, W scale is Warrant Officer, O scale is Commissioned Officer. Amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar. Effective January 1, 2013 if approved.
55
VETERANS PREFERNCE
The Veterans Guide to Applying for Federal Jobs

This tutorial provides instructions for USAJobs, VetSuccess and Vacancy Announcement Board websites. It also includes information on locating and reviewing vacancy announcements, creating and submitting a rsum, and tracking application status.
LINK: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/search/government-jobs/vetera
General Requirements for Preference
To be entitled to preference, a veteran must meet the eligibility requirements in section 2108 of title 5, United States Code. This means that: An honorable or general discharge is necessary. Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible for preference unless they are disabled veterans.
56
Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for preference. When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on their application or resume. Applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete form SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference.
Types of Preference 5-Point Preference Five points are added to the passing examination score of a veteran who served: During the period December 7, 1941, to July 1, 1955; or For more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; or In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized, including El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Lebanon, Panama, Somalia, Southwest Asia, Bosnia, and the Global War on Terrorism. Medal holders and Gulf War veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered on active duty on or after October 14, 1982, must have served continuously for 24
57
months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The service requirement does not apply to veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities, or to veterans separated for disability in the line of duty, or for hardship. 10-Point Preference Ten points are added to the passing examination score of: A veteran who served any time and who (1) has a present service-connected disability or (2) is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals who received a Purple Heart qualify as disabled veterans. An unmarried spouse of certain deceased veterans, a spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service-connected disability, and a mother of a veteran who died in service or who is permanently and totally disabled. Preference in Examination Veterans meeting the criteria for preference and who are found eligible (achieve a score of 70 or higher either by a written examination or an evaluation of their experience and education) have 5 or 10 points added to their numerical ratings depending on the nature of their preference. For
58
scientific and professional positions in grade GS-9 or higher, names of all eligibles are listed in order of ratings, augmented by veteran preference, if any. For all other positions, the names of 10-point preference eligibles who have a compensable, service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are placed ahead of the names of all other eligibles on a given register. The names of other 10-point preference eligibles, 5-point preference eligibles, and non-veterans are listed in order of their numerical ratings. Entitlement to veterans' preference does not guarantee a job. There are many ways an agency can fill a vacancy other than by appointment from a list of eligibles. Filing Applications After Examinations Have Closed A 10-point preference eligible may file an application at any time for any positions for which a non-temporary appointment has been made from a competitive list of eligibles within the past 3 years. In addition, a person who is unable to file for an open competitive examination because of military service may file after the closing date. In either of the above situations, the veteran should contact the agency that announced the position for further information. Positions for Preference Eligibles Only
59
Certain examinations are open only to preference eligibles as long as such applicants are available. These are custodian, guard, elevator operator and messenger. Special Complaint procedures for Veterans Veterans who believe that they have not been accorded the preference to which they are entitled may file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS). The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Veterans' Employment and Training Service developed an "expert system" to help veterans receive the preferences to which they are entitled. Two versions of this system are currently available, both of which, help the veterans determine the type of preference to which they are entitled, the benefits associated with the preference and the steps necessary to file a complaint due to the failure of a Federal Agency to provide those benefits. The Internet address for the veterans' preference program is http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vetspref.htm. Employment Service Offices have veteran representatives available to assist veterans in gaining access to this information.) Above information courtesy of the U.S. Government's Office of Personnel Management
60
61
Take advantage of the benefits you've earned

Why apply for VA health benefits? 1. There is no cost to apply. 2. Enroll once comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them. 3. Remain enrolled, even if you don't use VA for your health care. 4. Enrollment in the VA health care system provides "creditable coverage" required by some health care programs, including Medicare Part D, and states requiring all individuals to have health coverage.
62
5. If you are not eligible to enroll at this time, VA will save your application and contact you if eligibility criteria change.
6. Don't wait - apply today! s://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Manage Your Health Care Online
Eligible DoD Beneficiaries and Veterans have 24/7 online access to patient-centered health care services and resources at their fingertips. DoD Beneficiaries, access the DoD Patient Portal, TRICARE Online, below left.
63
Veterans, access the VA Health Administration Patient Portal, MyHealtheVet, below, right //www.myhealth.va.gov/index.htm l
This portal is a one-stop shop for benefits-related online tools and information for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, Service members, Family of Service Members //www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits -portal/ebenefits.portal
64
Guess Post From My Wife

November 30, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio
Hello my name is Sista Christina L., Welcome to my blog. I hope that it is very enlightening to your soul. Please feel free to comment on my posts as well as subscribe. But, before you do let me give you a short bio.
www.facebook.com/ISANNOINTED First and foremost, I am a child of God, that attends Church on a regular basis, I am part of the singing
65
ministry, as well as married to a 357 Brutha. Mother of five children but I raised twelve, Grandmother of fourteen. WOW!!! " I REALLY DID IT". The journey was not easy, it was very educational with many lessons, but very fulfilling. So, I can definitely identify with all single moms & dads, young mothers, grandmothers, etc. I have no complaints only testimonies to offer you. I am also an OES involved in community activities, giving back to my community. Moreover, the primary purpose of my blog, is to connect with women and men around the world, giving us a forum to discuss topics such as; what we saw on Dr. Phil, Steve Harvey, Last week Games, Basketball Housewives to Joyce Myers and our favorite books such as:(40 Shades of Grey). Also, the ability to discuss the adversities that have arise in our lives, Struggles that have overwhelmed us, to the accomplishments we thought we would never achieve. Thank you in advance for taking a minute of your time to read my blog. I hope it was fulfilling. CBarrett@gmail.com
"If you don't buy it don't allow others to sale it to you--"If you wouldn't sale it then don't buy it".
66
"Common Sense is Free" Sometimes you have to do what's best for you and your life not what's best for everybody else's. So many times in our lives we go above and beyond to bring joy and happiness to others not realizing we are robbing ourselves.....Not intentionally tho, because it's part of our makeup. We have to be mindful and cautious of that which we ignore or be in denial of. Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul..... Majority of the time some believe that the grass is greener on the other side, but if we water & fertilize our own gardens, our grass would grow as well as blossom as beautiful as the next persons. Maintain that which you invest in. "Nobody is perfect".. but people can't keep using that as an excuse to do wrong.. No wrong behavior is justified. Everyone is held accountable for the actions in the long run. What one may think they gotten away with, eventually do catch up with them. For we all reap that which we sow.
67
CBarrett@gmail.com By Sista Christina L. www.facebook.com/ISANNOINTED
68
VA Internship Programs
November 27, 2012 Epic Music Not Played On The Radio
Pathways Programs, Internship

FOR STUDENTS & RECENT GRADUATES TO FEDERAL CARESS http://www.opm.gov/hiringreform/pathways/ Introduction The Internship Program replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. Additional information about the Internship Program can be found at www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads/. Here are
69
some key provisions of the Internship Program:
Eligibility s Current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
Program Administration s The Internship Program is primarily administered by each hiring agency. s Agencies may hire Interns on a temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, or for an indefinite period, to complete the educational
70
requirement. s Interns may work part- or full-time. s Each agency must sign a Participant Agreement with the Intern that sets forth the expectations for the internship. s Intern's job will be related to the Intern's academic career goals or field of study. s When the final Pathways rule takes effect this July, agencies will have to provide OPM with information regarding their internship opportunities and post information publicly on www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads/ about how to apply for specific positions.
Program Completion and Conversion s Interns may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, to a term position lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful completion of the program. s To be eligible for conversion, Interns must:
71
s Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program s Complete their degree or certificate requirements s Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted s Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participants Agreement, and s Perform their job successfully. s Agencies may waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work for Interns who demonstrate high potential as evidenced by outstanding academic achievement and exceptional job performance. s In addition, students working in agencies through third-party intern providers may count up to 320 of the hours they work toward the 640 hour requirement. s Time spent under previous Internship Program appointments may count towards required work experience hours.
72
U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415 | (202) 606-1800 | TTY (202) 606-2532
73
Memorial Bracelets
November 27, 2012 Memorial Bracelets:
Memorial Bracelets helps others remember and honor the victims of terrorist attacks, military casualties and POW/MIA's by offering individually engraved bracelets, dog tags and pendants bearing the name of the victim or a supportive message. Epic Music Not Played On The Radio
74
THOSE SEEKING THE TRUTH

November 24, 2012 THOSE SEEKING THE TRUTH by Brother Terry Crosby Jr. Let me open by saying that "bad" publicity is still publicity and that any seed when planted has the "potential" to grow. I didn't grow up around Freemasons and as far as I know none of my relatives are Freemasons. So, as you can see, my knowledge of Freemasonry wasn't just limited, it was non-existent. My journey to becoming a Freemason started with "bad" publicity. A co-worker of mine, at the time, was and still is an anti-Mason. There wasn't a night that didn't go by at work without some comment being made about the "evils" of Freemasonry. This constant onslaught of his opinions finally started to get to me. The hard soil (my head) opened up and accepted the seeds. Questions started sprouting up, my curiosity was piqued and I had to find out for myself if this group was as bad as he believed.
75
First things first, where did someone find information on a secret organization. I do a lot of research on the Internet so I started there. For a "secret" organization I could not believe the wealth of info on the Internet. The more I dug the more I found. Sure there were the anti-Masonic sites as well as the good ones but a new perception was taking hold. I started to read things about brotherly love, relief and truth. A necessity to believe in a supreme being. The true freedom of religion, nationality and opinion. Compassion for our fellow man. The practice of supporting your community and government. The need to strive for knowledge and wisdom. And I could go on and on but the main thing that really struck home was this simple concept, the practice of the teachings of Freemasonry makes a good man better. This research was reinforced when I discovered that there were Freemasons right in my plant at work. The answers that I received to the many questions I asked followed what I had already read about on the Internet. I also learned that I had to petition the lodge that I wanted to join and I learned a little about the process of becoming a member.
76
What a drastic difference this picture was compared to my first introduction to Freemasonry. In my heart, at this point in my journey, I felt that being a Mason was a good thing and that it was something I wanted to do. From my first phone call to my becoming a Brother in this great fraternity, it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I want to thank all the Brothers in the Argus Lodge for their part in helping me on the road to my becoming a Mason. My deepest thanks goes out to my sponsors for opening the door and to my coach for helping me through it. If you are someone who is looking to find out what Free Masonry is all about, don't do so with the motive of proving something or someone wrong or right. Do so to find the true answers to the questions in your heart and mind. The rewards of truth are immense. http://www.aweber.com/?409353
77
ATTN: VETERANS
November 16, 2012 Seek Free Help Through Your Local State of Veterans Affairs, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans Of Foreign Wars, American Legion What are the Steps in Processing Your Claim Step 1-You file your claim Step 2-We obtain evidence Step 3-You are examined at VA hospital Step 4-Complete record is evaluated Step 5-A decision is made Other Information What causes delays in the claims process? How does the appeal process work?
78
What is the best way to communicate with the VA? National Personnel Records Center Fire Related Cases Post Traumatic Stress Disorder DEFINITIONS In order to make our communications as clear as possible, we'd like to define some of our terms: Compensation: The benefit paid to veterans whose disabilities arose from service. The disabilities themselves are often referred to as Service Connected or "S/C". Pension: The benefit paid to veterans whose disabilities are not related to service and who have a financial hardship. The disabilities themselves are often referred to as Non-Service Connected or "NSC". Rating Schedule: The guide we use to determine which disabilities we can pay for and the percent to which they are disabling.
79
Claim Number: How we monitor and identify your claim. Any letters you receive from this office should have the claim number in the upper right hand corner. The letters "C", "XC", "CSS" or "XSS" will precede your claim number. It is very important that you have this number available whenever you contact this office. Step 1: You File Your Claim The disability claim process begins when you file a claim. If you have never filed a disability claim with us, we need you to complete and submit a VA Form 21-526 (Veteran's Application for Compensation or Pension). You may complete the form with the assistance of a case manager at our office or you may call or write and have this form sent to you. Once you have completed the form, you should return it to this office. If you have questions while attempting to complete this form on your own, please call this office. It may save our having to delay processing your claim while we attempt to get clarification of your answer to the question about which you were unsure.
80
If you filed a claim in the past, whether you were granted or denied benefits, you do not need to complete a VA Form 21-526 again. However, we do need your signed statement telling us what you want to claim, why, and where you were treated for the claimed condition. Step 2: We Obtain Evidence (this step takes:1-4 months Based on the disability claim you submit to us, we begin compiling evidence to support your claim. Thus, any evidence that you are able to secure beforehand and submit with your claim will expedite this step. Your disability evaluation will be based on this evidence, so it is essential that we have complete and accurate information. We will assist you by verifying your service dates (based on the information that you furnish on your application) and requesting your service medical records. If you send us a signed medical release (there are copies attached to VA Form 21-526), we will also request your private medical records.
81
We may request more information from you. This may include letters detailing specific experiences in service or information on your dependents, employment history or income. You can help speed the process by providing complete addresses for the medical care and be as exact as possible in reporting dates of treatment. Please send requested information in as soon as possible. You don't need to wait until the 60 days we have given you have expired. You should also make sure that you include your VA file number on all pages of anything that you submit. Step 3: You Are Examined at a VA Hospital (this step takes 1-3 months) Often we request exams while we wait for other evidence to arrive. Sometimes, we first have to review the other evidence to be certain we are requesting the proper exams. The exams that we request for you will depend on your claim and treatment history. The VA Medical Center will schedule you for the requested exam. They will contact you directly by mail to let you know when and what exams are scheduled for you. After each exam, an examination report will be prepared and sent to our
82
office. You can help expedite this process by keeping your exam appointments and by asking your private medical providers to send a copy of your records to our office. Remember to ask them also to include your VA file number on the records that they submit. Step 4: Complete Record is Rated (this step takes: 2-3 months) As evidence is received, VA places the records in your claims folder. When we have all the necessary evidence, your claim is ready to be rated. Due to our current backlog, there may be a two or three month wait before your individual claim can be rated. We evaluate the medical evidence and other documents to support your medical condition. We then identify how these conditions correspond to the rating schedule. This schedule designates what disabilities we can pay for and at what percent. The schedule is based on the laws passed by Congress. We will consider all evidence submitted and will pay the maximum benefit allowed by law. If there is a change in your disability after you've filed your
83
claim or if you want us to evaluate additional disabilities, please let us know as soon as possible. Step 5: A Decision is Made (this step takes 1-3 weeks) After the rating is completed, you will be notified promptly of our decision. We will provide you with the reasons for all decisions to grant or deny benefits. If you do not agree with our decision, we will explain the appeal process. If you have any questions, please call their toll-free number at 1-800-827-1000. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP ... ? Be as thorough as possible in completing your claim application. Do NOT assume that they have information on file already. ALWAYS sign your name on the application form. Respond as quickly and completely as possible when we ask you for information. If you are scheduled for a medical exam, please keep your appointment. If you are unable to keep your appointment (for whatever reason), please
84
contact the VA medical Center where you were scheduled to report as soon as possible. If you have been treated for your disability by private medical providers, please ask them to send us a copy of your treatment record. On any application that you submit, ALWAYS provide a complete mailing address (to include your specific apartment number if you live in an apartment building) and, if possible, a daytime phone number (including the area code) where you can be reached in case we need to obtain clarification on any part of your application. Let us know, as soon as possible, if you change your address or phone number. If you are in doubt about what to do at any time, please contact us at 1-800-827-1000. Any time you call their office about your claim, please have your VA file number available to give to the person who assists you. You can find this number in the upper right hand section of any correspondence from this office. If you can't remember and can't find your VA file number, please have your Social Security number (or - if
85
you are a survivor of a veteran - have the veteran's Social Security number) available since (starting in the mid-1970's) this is usually the number assigned as the VA file number. Any time that you write to VA, you should include your VA file number not only on your letter but also on any documents that you submit in support of your claim - in case they become detached from your letter. You were there when they needed you - now their here for you. What Causes Delays? Claims within a specific category are processed in the order they are received. Time to process is particularly hard to estimate on cases involving PTSD, Persian Gulf illnesses, reserve units, and fire-related cases. The time it takes to process a claim varies for several reasons. First, we need to get the information needed to make a decision; this includes medical records, verification of honorable discharges, copies of certificates, etc. Although we are a government department, we have no special way to get records from private hospitals, other government agencies, records centers (such as the National Personnel Records Center), or military
86
bases, hospitals or reserve units. Claims with records from several sources take longer to get records than others. One way to help is to get as many of your records as possible to submit with your claim. Tips: 5 reasons for denial will help you navigate the VA process Appeals of Decisions An appeal of a local decision involves many steps, some optional and some necessary, and strict time limits. In order, the steps are: Notice of Disagreement (NOD) Statement of the Case (SOC) Formal Appeal (VA Form 9 or equivalent) Hearings (Optional) Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) United States Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims (CAVC)
87
The case may also involve remands at the BVA and/or COVA levels. Someone may have several appeals at once, and several issues may be included in the same appeal. Usually, all issues on one VA decision will be included in the same appeal. Notice of Disagreement (NOD) A Notice of Disagreement is the first step in an appeal. It simply involves a written statement that you disagree with a decision that has been made. Certain things should be kept in mind when submitting a NOD: Be specific about what you are disagreeing with. If a decision was made on 7 issues, specify the ones you are referring to- don't simply say you disagree with the decision. Make sure that a decision has been made. For most decisions when benefits are reduced or terminated, we are required to propose it first; this is called a pre-determination notice. A NOD can only be accepted if a final decision has been made, not if a proposal has been made. If you don't receive paperwork describing the appeals process (a VA Form 4107), check your letter to see if it is a proposal.
88
Check the time limit. A NOD must be filed within one year of the date of the letter informing you of the decision. If you were notified of a decision in 1994, it is too late to file a NOD. Your option at that point is to file another claim, or request to reopen a claim, for the same condition as before. Statement of the Case A Statement of the Case is a summary of the evidence considered, actions taken, and decisions made, plus the laws governing the decision. A SOC must be done when a Notice of Disagreement is filed or when new evidence is received. Once the first SOC is done on an appeal, any ones done after that are Supplemental Statements of the Case (SSOC). An appeal may have several SSOC's. Formal Appeal (VA Form 9 or equivalent) An appeal must be formal before it can continue to higher levels. The standard form for formalizing (sometimes called perfecting) an appeal is the VA Form 9. This form must be received no later than one of these two dates: one year from the date of the letter notifying you of the decision
89
60 days after the date of the Statement of the Case Hearings (Optional) Hearings are a chance for claimants to present evidence in person; they are totally optional. They are held at the regional office by a Hearing Officer (HO). If you have a hearing, the HO will review the evidence in conjunction with the testimony and make a decision on your case. If the issue is not resolved in your favor, the appeal will continue. Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) The Board of Veterans Appeals, located in Washington DC, is the highest appellate body in VA. Although most decision are done in Washington, BVA does have travel boards that come to local offices. Travel boards have been limited the past couple of years, and Manchester would not expect more than one week of travel board hearings in a year. Due to a number of reasons, the pending workload at BVA has dramatically increased in the past few years. It is not unusual for an appeal to take 2 years or more from the initial NOD to the final BVA decision. BVA looks at all of the evidence regarding the issue under appeal. If BVA decides that more
90
information is needed to make a decision, it will issue a remand to the local office. BVA will not reconsider the case until its instructions in the remand are done. If the evidence is sufficient, BVA will issue a decision. This decision is the final VA one on the issue, and the appeal will have ended. However, a BVA decision can be reviewed by the Court of Veterans Appeals if an appeal to the court is filed within 120 days of the BVA decision. United States Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims (CAVC) The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims (CAVC), located in Washington DC, was created in 1988 to review matters of law about VA benefits and decisions. CAVC is not part of VA; it is an appellate court in the US judicial system. CAVC will only consider decisions made by the Board of Veterans Appeals after 1988. As in most courts, one must have either an attorney or personal knowledge of legal proceedings in order to file the correct legal paperwork and conduct the appeal. CAVC decisions usually concern the procedural, legal issues involved in the "letter of the law". The deadline for filing an appeal to COVA is 120 days after the BVA decision (using the date of the letter to you informing you of the decision).
91
Communicating with the Veterans Service Center COMMUNICATION IS NOT ONLY WHAT WE SAY, IT'S WHAT YOU THINK WE SAID. If you get a letter from the VA that is confusing, please let us know. We are truly interested in improving our communication. When doing so, provide the date of the letter in question. In all correspondence to the VA please provide: The VA claim number Veteran's social security number Veteran's complete name Please be sure to keep them informed of address changes. National Personnel Records Center The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), located in St. Louis, is the main center for a military person's records. NPRC has millions of records. Depending on the branch and years of service, we will make a request for records to NPRC. If medical records are available at NPRC, the originals will be
92
sent to us. No copies are left at NPRC. Any individual can request their records from NPRC using a standard form (SF 180), which we can provide to you upon request. However, to reduce the substantial backlog at NPRC, duplicate requests from VA, individuals, and/or service organizations should not be made at the same time. If you receive notification from us that records could not be located, you may find it more efficient to deal with NPRC directly Fire-related case In July 1973, a fire broke out at NPRC. The majority of records for Army and Air Force veterans discharged before 1963 were destroyed. There are no alternate sources for personnel or other non-medical records. In the late 1980's, there were Surgeon General studies discovered that listed names of patients treated in Army hospitals during World War II and the Korean War. These records, usually containing only one line of information, can be requested if you were treated in an Army hospital during one of the wars. Unfortunately, there remains no alternate sources for the other burned records. Reservists
93
If you are a reservist, you may want to request that your unit forward a copy of your medical records to this office. If you are filing a claim for a disability that occurred while you were on reserve duty, we also need a copy of the paperwork showing your duty status on the day you were injured. We frequently experience significant delays in receiving records from reserve units. PTSD PTSD cases often take several months to process. In order to establish a finding of PTSD, as opposed to other mental conditions, the event causing the stress disorder (the stressor) must be identified. Sometimes the stressor is apparent on the discharge document (for example, a Purple Heart). Often, we must request personnel and other records from the National Personnel Records Center. However, while personnel records will show units, job classifications, etc., they do not show events that happened. For those records, we must make an additional request to another records center for information they may have on particular events. This search is why we need as specific information as possible on the stressor form that we send (names, dates, units, etc.). The current backlog at this records center is several months. This time, added what it takes to get
94
records from NPRC, is why PTSD cases take longer to process. http://www.vhv-vetshelpingvets.com/
95
Learn What Education Benefit Is Best For You

November 13, 2012
http://www.gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/c
http://www.aweber.com/?409353
Learn What Education Benefit Is Best For You

Many veterans and active duty personnel can qualify for more than one education benefits program, incuding the - Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) - Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB, chapter 30 and chapter 1606) - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, chapter 1607) - Post vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance program (VEAP, chapter 32). Depending on your individual
96
circumstances, one of these programs may give you better benefits than the others. While you are the only person who can choose which program meets your needs, we have developed a step-by-step process that may help you compare the different education programs and decide which is best for you. This process includes links to additional information on the website that may help you make your decision.
Service-Connected Disability?
If you are an active duty service member anticipating at least a 20% service-connected disability rating, or a veteran with a 20% disability rating or greater, you should first determine any benefitsto which you are entitled under Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, chapter 31).
97
NOTE: If you need any help making your choice, VA Vocational and Employment counseling help is available to all veterans toll free at 1-800-827-1000. You also can discuss your options with a VA education benefits specialist by calling toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or TDD at (800) 829-4833.
98
How to Become a Free Mason

November 13, 2012
www.facebook.com/dora.lodge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyFeadn8Z
Joining Freemasons Would you like to belong to the oldest and largest fraternity in the world? Here is how: You must first find a Masonic lodge location near you, contact them, and ask for a petition. If you become a Free Mason, you will: Join both the oldest and the largest fraternity in the world.
99
Join a brotherhood of over 6,000,000 men from all races, religions and countries from all walks of life. Why are so many men joining Free Masons? Freemasonry is a voluntary, fraternal organization, composed of men of good will, good character and good reputation, whom in most jurisdictions around the world, believe in an Almighty Creator and practice the spirit of universal brotherhood to man. They are loyal to their country and devote their time to the principles of friendship and fellowship. Their focus is to be of service to all mankind. For many men, Freemasonry fulfills a part of themselves that they intrinsically felt was missing. Whether it be the social, the philosophical, the spiritual, the historical or simply a sense of community with others; you will find within Freemasonry that part of you
100
which you seek. If I become a Free Mason, what is their Mission? Free Masons help to build a better world through a unique and worthy process of building better men to live in it. The Free Mason Motto is: "Better men make a better world." What principles will I learn? You will learn to practice brotherly love for all, charitable relief for those who may be in need, morality and good citizenship in every community. What type of fraternal society is Free Masonry? Freemasonry acts as a charitable, fraternal, educational, social and character-building society. Masonic Fraternity:
101
Masonry's active ideal is the brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. Masonic education is a vital part of receiving your Master's degree in Freemasonry. Masonic Education: Freemasonry supports public education and teaches its own members morality and brotherhood by means of ceremonies and symbols. Social: The Masonic Fraternity furnishes opportunity and inducement for men to gather for group enjoyment and personal development. Character Building: All Masonic activities stress the values of personal integrity and personal responsibility. Each of the 3 degrees within a lodge culminates in a man
102
becoming a Master Mason. Each member is encouraged to make efforts to improve his community in the interest of human welfare, inspire the members with feelings of charity and good will for all mankind as well as move them to translate these learned principles and convictions into individual action. What will I learn if I become a Free Mason? You will learn biblical history from the days of Solomon's Temple, throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, Masonic Speculative Lodges and Grand Orient Lodges were being formed in each country. Many exact dates of historical events are sometimes difficult to discern, however Masonic records show that these Grand Lodges were formed in: England in 1717, Ireland in 1725, France in 1728, the United States in 1730 and Scotland in 1736.
103
If you wish to study and learn, the Holy Scriptures will finally begin to come alive to you with their real people and their successes and failures. You will learn biblical truths with the Supreme Architect of the Universe, as your Master. If I contact someone to become a Free Mason, will I receive a continuous barrage of spam and junk mail? No. Why not? In some jurisdictions, a man wishing to become a Free Mason must of his own free will, ask to become a Free Mason. In other jurisdictions, (a few U.S. states and in England), a man wishing to become a Free Mason may be invited to join by a current member who feels that he would be an asset to the Fraternity. In either case, each and every man comes to Freemasonry of his own free will and accord.
104
Every man who wishes to become a Free Mason (whether he requests to be admitted as a member or whether he has been invited to be admitted to the fraternity) must be investigated as to his background and then balloted upon by his prospective Lodge's brethren. If I join Freemasons, will I learn Freemasons secrets and Masonic Lodge Secrets? Yes. But, if Freemasons secrets and Masonic Lodge secrets are your main reason for joining, your enthusiasm will soon diminish. Here are the Freemason's secrets: They are the grips, passwords, penal signs and ritual work. The remainder of the craft of Freemasonry is found in the Holy Books around the world, the Old Charges, which are old Manuscripts and Old Lodge Charters which date back to 1390, and in Freemason books.
105
In fact, if you are considering becoming a Free Mason, the easiest way to begin learning about Freemasonry is to begin right here on this website. I hear and read about Free Masons being satanic, taking part in pagan rites, attempting to create a New World Order (NWO), such as the New World Order videos on YouTube, and their plans to take over the world. Is any of this true? No. In fact, let's consider this, rationally, at greater length. Entire countries and civilizations have come, gone and changed in the several hundred year period during which Freemasonry has existed. If Freemasons were, in fact, attempting to take over the world, (having approximately 300+ years in which to accomplish such a feat), one could only come to the logical conclusion that these Masonic secrets are either tremendously well-kept (from both Freemasons and non-Freemasons) or... that after all this
106
time, Free Masons aren't very effective planners. Is Free Masonry a secret Masonic society? Free Masonry's "secret" inheritance from the past is largely ceremonial. The Masonic Freemason fraternity meets in Masonic halls and temples, whose addresses are in the telephone books in the United States. (However, it is difficult to call a specific lodge because most only meet a couple times a month, therefore, if you stop by, there probably won't be anyone there.) Most Freemasons proudly wear their Masonic rings and Masonic lapel pins. If you are thinking about joining the fraternity, and becoming a Master Mason, it is also beneficial to you to learn more about the reason why Freemasons wear a Masonic signet ring which displays Freemasonry's logo, the square and
107
compasses. Many members vehicles display Masonic emblems such as the Square and Compass. Or the famous 2B1Ask1, To-Be-One-Ask-One bumper sticker. Newspapers and magazines record many of their activities and list their officers....and their charity work and events are not only very public, but very well attended. Each jurisdiction has a Grand Lodge. Here is a list of the Grand Lodges around the world. Each state in the United States also has a Grand Lodge. Subordinate lodges fall under their Grand Lodge's jurisdiction. Most Grand Lodges around the world have websites, as do many subordinate lodges. Despite the ongoing National Treasure documentaries, and the Decoded episode on television in December, 2010, which
108
inferred that Freemasons somehow used our symbolic Masonic tools to stealthily remove the cornerstone to our nations Capital, (without anyone noticing), in reality, the everyday Freemason's secrets remain, (as they have for centuries) as the specific grips, penal signs, passwords and ancient rituals used within the lodge. These are carryovers from ancient ceremonies, which, if omitted, would remove some of Freemasonry's very proud history. I read and hear a lot about the belief in Masonic pentagrams in the streets of Washington, D.C., secret Masonic conspiracies, Anti-Christian and anti-Bible beliefs, etc. If I become a Free Mason, will I learn more about these? No. Why not?
109
There aren't any....which is why none can be "uncovered". If your sole reason to join Freemasonry is to learn more about these types of Masonic myths, media hype, the occult and other supposed Masonic secrets, you will be deeply disappointed. Is Free Masonry Anti-Christian? No. Is Freemasonry a religion? No. Freemasonry encompasses and welcomes members from all religions. If I become a Free Mason, will I be expected to change my religion? No. The foundation of Freemasonry is the brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. Only those who are truly religious can fully understand the meaning of "universal brotherhood".
110
Except in a very few jurisdictions around the world, only those who believe in a Supreme Being can be members of the Masonic Fraternity. There are no specific religions mentioned neither in Masonic ceremonies nor in Masonic prayers. Freemasonry is not a church, a tabernacle, a mosque nor a synagogue, nor is it a substitute for any of them or for any religious observance. Freemasonry is non-sectarian, which means it is not affiliated with nor restricted to any particular religious denomination. The form of a man's belief is his own business. In fact, many active Masons are active religious laymen. In the United States, most lodges use the Holy Bible; however, if you are of another religion, you may request that your sacred holy book (Torah, Veda, Koran, etc.) be placed beside the Bible during lodge meetings. Some lodges have several sacred books to accommodate the different religions of its members.
111
Lodges whose members are wholly of a specific religion may choose to use their sacred books only. Is a Masonic Bible different than any other Bible on the market, today? No. (Although many Masonic bibles have Preface pages which may be filled in to record the dates of its owner having receiving their degrees, as well as possibly a Study Guide or Biblical Index, to assist its owner to understand certain phrases, symbols and the biblical verses used within Freemasonry.) Is Free Masonry a political group? No. In fact, both politics and specific religions are discouraged from being mentioned in lodge because to do so may negate its collective peace, harmony, and thus, its universality of spirit. What do Freemasons do?
112
Freemasons are a fraternity of brothers who attempt to follow our Creator's plan for us and to help each man be the best man that he can be. In different languages, the Creator is known by different names. He may be called God, Allah, Jehovah, YHWH, I Am That I Am and others. Can I quit being a Freemason if I want to? Any Mason in good standing (whose annual dues are paid) may withdraw from membership at any time. How Do You Become a Freemason? Freemason Membership Requirements What are the requirements to become a Free Mason? The requirements to join Freemasons are: You must be a man of good repute.
113
In most U.S. states, you must be over the age of 21. Some states vary, so you will need to ask. You must believe in a Supreme Being. (This is a requirement in the majority of jurisdictions around the world.) You must be able to support yourself and your family. You must live a moral and ethical life. You must have a strong desire to want to make a difference in the world. By your actions, you want to make yourself a better man, and make your community and the world a better place to live. Are Lodge dues expensive if I become a Free Mason? Typically, lodge dues are a nominal sum in the United States, however each Lodge varies, somewhat. Lodge dues in other countries vary. Some are nominal sums and some can be more expensive.
114
Inquiries as to the annual dues in your area should be made to your individual lodge. What will I gain if I become a Free Mason? 1. You will never again be truly alone, because you are a part of a brotherhood of men who want to see you prosper in all ways possible and if it is within their ability, they will help you to do so. 2. You will learn to focus your energies upon an upright and truthful life, and remove the more negative excesses which all of mankind must continually resist. 3. If you become a Free Mason, you will become a better man, if you truly wish to study and learn. How do I begin the process to become a Free Mason?
115
1. In the United Sates, you may look in the telephone book for the phone number of a Masonic lodge near you, however, it is highly probable no one will be there to answer your call because lodges usually only meet twice a month, during a week day, in the evening. 2. If you find a man who has a bumper sticker that says: 2B1Ask1, you may ask him to provide you a petition. He probably won't have a petition for Masonic admission with him, but if you give him your name and phone number, he will contact a member of his lodge, who will contact you. 3. However, the easiest way to begin the process to become a Free Mason is to contact your state or country's Grand Lodge. You may call them or fill out their website form and request that they have someone contact you. Then what happens?
116
1. Arrangements will be made to meet you, personally, to discuss Freemasonry. 2. A committee of members from the Lodge, which are called the Investigative Committee, will contact you to arrange a meeting. They will answer any questions you may have. If the meeting is mutually satisfactory; you will be asked if you wish to fill out a petition form. 3. The Investigative Committee performs inquiries of others as to your character. In the United States, this may take a few weeks. In most other countries around the world, this thorough investigative process may take up to 2 years. 4. Your request for membership will be balloted upon by the lodge's members. 5. You will be advised of the date of your admission.
117
Becoming a Free Mason is perhaps best summed up by Freemason and stone sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, who with his son, Lincoln Borglum, sculpted the faces of 4 U.S. presidents into Mount Rushmore's sheer stone peak near Keystone, South Dakota. Begun in October, 1927 and completed in October 1941, (14 years later), over 400 workers worked on it during the carving process....with no lives lost. When he was asked how he carved stone into such beautiful statues, Gutzon Borglum replied: "It is very simple. I merely knock away with hammer and chisel the stone I do not need and the statue is there ...... it was there all the time!" ...And so it is with each of us. Like everything else in life, when you become a Freemason, you will receive from Freemasonry what you put into it.
118
How to find a Lodge: Find a Lodge Near You If you live in the United States and wish to become a Free Mason, the best way to find a lodge close to where you live is to click on the link, above. It will take you to a list of Grand Lodge website Lodge locator information. If you live outside the United States, click on the World Grand Lodges page to contact the Grand Lodge in your country to let them direct you. Each Grand Lodge has a list of all the subordinate lodges in their jurisdiction. FAKE MASONRY All links on this website will take you to information about Regular Freemasonry. As a cautionary note, there are a few websites on the internet that offer membership in the fraternity of
119
Freemasonry where they provide an online form and ask you to send in a payment, credit card information, etc., along with your contact information as a method to become a Free Mason. BE AWARE! The Freemason fraternity does not offer online membership. You cannot join Freemasonry via the internet. All men interested in becoming a Freemason must contact a lodge (or a Grand Lodge, for direction in how to find a lodge near where they live). As you can see from reading the above information of how to go about becoming a Freemason, it is a worthwhile process that takes time. Masonic-Lodge-of-Education.com simply provides Masonic information about how you may properly contact the fraternity regarding membership.
120
False information about Freemasonry has abounded for centuries. With the inception of the internet, and its ability to provide "instant" information to everyone, please be aware that there are websites on the internet which provide anti-Masonic rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and other malicious mis-information to the unaware and uninformed about how to become a Freemason. Fortunately, however, there are many, many more Masonic websites built by members of the fraternity that are highly informative and which do an excellent job of providing truthful information, which does justice to the craft. As more and more people learn about Freemasonry's true beliefs and ideals, this mis-information will soon become a thing of the past and fade away to its rightful place in the scrap heap.
121
For an overview of what Freemasonry is and isn't, as well as some of the appendant bodies (groups) which Masonic wives, children or relatives may wish to join, read this page about Freemasons. The first step of learning how to become a Freemason is to Find a Lodge Near You Update:May, 6, 2012: I have had so many requests as to how and whom to contact to become a free mason that I have provided the following links to save you some time. Below are links that should prove helpful to you. If you cannot find a lodge near you, please contact the Grand Lodge nearest you, as it is possible that there is a lodge close to you which simply does not have a lodge website. Other excellent resources to find Grand Lodge information is at www.mwjobgrandlodge.com
122
List of Freemason Organizations Around The World If you have found this page or this site to have been helpful to you, and worthy of recommending to others, so that they, too, may increase their Masonic knowledge, below are some ways to do so. Bookmark It!
Dora Lodge #11 International Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. Trenton, NJ FACEBOOK.COM www.facebook.com/dora.lodge
123
Statement In Support of Claim/Re: PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

November 12, 2012 The Example Stressor Letter below has been used by thousands of veterans as supportive evidence for their PTSD claim. Use it for yours (modify as needed) To whom it may concern LIFE BEFORE MILITARY SERVICE Before I joined the Army, I was active in many things. My family has a long history of military participation, so a lot of what I did when I was younger involved the military. For instance, for as long as I can remember my family and I always went to local military Air Shows. I was always interested in the tanks and armored vehicles that were present at the Air Shows. A few shows had rifles, pistols, and grenade launchers that you could pick up and play with. Those were
124
my favorite shows. My family was heavy into visiting military installations too. My dad was a Vietnam veteran, so we had access to all of the military installations. We were close to Fort Dix, and used to visit there all of the time. My family used the commissary and PX a lot. I would watch old war movies with my father, I really liked, The Longest Day, with John Wayne. During high school I was active in sports, football and track. My junior year we went to the state finals in football. When I graduated from high school I worked full time as a security officer at a local hospital for over five years with no chance for advancement. Then it hit me one day join the Army. At 25 years-old, I visited an army recruiter and knew and discussed my options. Like any good recruiter, he made the Army sound like heaven. So I joined.
125
LIFE DURING MILITARY SERVICE I completed basic training at Fort Benning, GA. A lot of the guys complained about the heat during training, but I was used to it. That was the only thing I was used to. Basic training was very hard. The physical training was almost impossible, but I was able to win the physical training award for my company. I was recycled in airborne school because I injured my neck on my second jump. It was an honor to have my father present at my graduation from airborne school. He penned his airborne jump wings on my chest. When I completed basic training and airborne school, I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. It was nice being close to home and stationed in an area of the country I was familiar with. My job as a Paratrooper was nice too. I was following in my fathers footsteps as a Paratrooper. I received an honorable discharge in 1998.
126
I joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in 2000. While on a training exercise in at Fort Drum, NY, I injured my right knee and had surgery performed at Fort Dix, NJ, in August 2001. When the attacks started on September 11th I was home watching them on TV, and I never thought that something like that could happen, and in the back of my mind thought I that the National Guard would be called to active duty. When the call came my unit was given orders to head to Ground Zero to assist with security and recover efforts. I was scared out of my mind. We were briefed that site had the severity of an atomic attack. My unit convoyed to ground zero and as we crossed The General Pulaski Skyway Bridge going into Jersey City, was eerily quiet, looking at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and not seeing The Twin Towers made me very upset to the point I was looking for revenge. I also think everyone was frightened. I know I was. My head was on a spindle. I was super alert, looking for any sign of another attack. The closer we got, the more nervous I became. I was wondering if my
127
training as a paratrooper had any relevance for what just happened. I was a part of several small details from doing security on the Holland Tunnel to picking up body parts and I will never forget the smell of burned flesh. The odor of burning rubber smelled from the moment we stepped off the bus in Jersey City, thick dust hung in the air, and there was a lack of emotion on my part. During the six month period I was assigned to security for power plants and airports. Guard members on state active duty provided security at critical infrastructure sites-bridges; train stations, power plants-in some cases for years after the attacks. During my deployment I witnessed events that made a lasting impression on my life, including but not limited to: Hyper vigilance, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and loss of interest in activities and life in general. Many nights after being at Ground Zero, I started having intense nightmares about Ground Zero. I would wake up in the
128
middle of the night sweating profusely. I think I even screamed out loud a couple of times. I hoped desperately that no one heard me. Also, I started having panic attacks as I entered tall buildings. In my mind, I was having flashbacks for some reason, I was really jumpy to. Loud noises scared the crap out of me. When I got back to Trenton, NJ, after six month on active duty. I was hoping my nightmare, panic attacks, and jumpiness would go away, but it didnt. I thought about visiting the unit chaplain or the mental health department at East Orange to see if they could help me, but I was reluctant. I didnt want anyone to think I wasnt a tough, mentally strong trooper. LIFE AFTER MILITARY SERVICE Leaving the National Guard was the biggest mistake of my life my plan was to attend community college, get a degree in IT, and opens a business. Those plans
129
were quickly dashed when it became apparent that the Montgomery G.I. Bill would not cover expenses. After living on unemployment insurance and living with my grandmother, I finally landed a job working as a correctional officer in a maximum security prison for the criminally insane. I was told I could easily make $60K - $100K per year. That didnt work out either. The supervisors treated you like crap, the inmates were manipulative liars, and the money was not as good as I was told. Also, my panic attacks were more frequent, and they would get the best of me. I began to drink daily going in and out of rehabs. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beachess one of the doctors set me up to do an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I was told that EMDR would help me with anxiety, performance anxiety, stress, phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, emotional residues of an abusive or neglectful childhood, anger, episodic
130
rage, low self-esteem, depression, complicated grief, addictions, and relationship problems. My nightmares decreased, my panic attacks decreased, my appetite was back, and I thought I was on the road to recovery. I was wrong. I felt vulnerable working in an environment where it was hard to watch my back. I was asked to resign after seven long years on the job, and I was back on unemployment insurance. And I didnt have the desire to look for work. I made several attempts at attain some training schools but I would quit after a few weeks. I just couldnt be around a lot of people and I wanted to be able to control situations in the hope that I could eliminate my panic attacks. My wife was very angry. She was the new breadwinner, and I was struggling to do my part in our financial partnership. She started complaining about my nightmares and fidgety sleep habits in bed. She would call me paranoid every chance she got. Luckily for me, she was committed to making things work
131
between us. I didnt have any money, no health insurance, no job, and no prospects. I started to lose a lot of weight. I just wasnt hungry anymore. I was disrespecting my wife and my family. I was emotionally detached from my friends, family members and my surroundings. All I wanted to do was sleep. I was in and out of the Coatesville VA hospital for depression and alcohol abuse. I was wondering if I was going crazy and was I going to be one of those veterans that were homeless. Furthermore, I could best describe my depression as a form of survivors guilt because some of my friends who went to Iraq and Afghanistan were killed and or wounded, and I felt like I didnt do my part. Although I was at the first battle field, that being Ground Zero. I finally swallowed my pride went to see a shrink at the VA Hospital in Philadelphia. This man (Doctor Listerud) said I had full blown posttraumatic stress disorder and advised me that I should put in a claim for PTSD. He told that I could get
132
medication for my symptoms. And I am talking 150mg of Sertraline for depression and 100mg of Doxepin for sleep. Enclosed are my medical records that will support my claim. After visiting the VA, I was assigned a doctor who prescribed medication to me. I am looking into group therapy too. I joined the local Veterans of Foreign Wars association. VFW instructed me to file a claim for PTSD. I was assigned a Veterans Service Officer who helped me fill out the paperwork. I am waiting to get the results of my claim. Lawer y(E4) 82nd Airborne/ NJ/PA Guard 96-05
133
radio sucks...
November 12, 2012 * Music isn't found on MTV or the radio (unless it's a local or amateur station)
* Does not have concerts taking place in Stadiums or huge Arenas where you pay 50-80 dollars to get in.The city government do not close roads and check your bags like at a .You don't need a pair of binocuolars.
* Will not be found in small(ish) chain record stores.You might find some in larger places in HMV if it has some signifigance but Tower Records is ussually better for that kind of stuff. * Music in which singles are not released
134
on widely available Compact Discs featuring 'Radio Edits','Album Versions','Remixes' or 'Music Videos.Instead are released on 7 inch Vinyl Records(7"). What mainstream listeners don't know is that in fact Vinyl Records are NOT something that people stopped listening to in the early 1980s and that throughout the 90s,Vinyl was the norm for most bands,ignoring shoddy cheap CDs and today in the age of itunes it is still being used. * Music in which when the artists tour,they not get by in Fancy tour buses but in vans - ussually where the band will struggle to pay gas.Accomodation ussually consists of the band sleeping on somebodys floor and not in a 4-Star Hotel. * Music which does not appear on the cover of next months Kerrang!,Total Guitar or Rolling Stone with an 'exclusive interview'. Why?
135
Because we'd rather read self-published Fanzines used with a photocopier. * Music in which Concerts are not advertised taking up whole pages in the National Newspaper.Something more along he lines of the band handing out flyers for their next show. * Music which isn't recorded at fancy studios with famous producers like Flood.
* Music that isn't signed to a sublabel of the loved-to-be-hated Warner Music Group,Sony,Universal,EMI with big Epic sounding names like 'Atlantic','Capitol','Epic'.Nothing that calls themselves a 'Music Group' or 'Corporation' Ussually smaller labels set up by bands who release stuff by other bands and don't give loads of crap about Copyright on the CD or Record.Simple and modest,and not scaring people telling
136
them they will be jailed,sentenced to death,Burnt at the stake for public broadcasting,lending,unauthorized copying etc. A Good example of a band who are into this thing are Godspeed You! Black Emperor.If you don''t know of this band or the 'post-rock' genre,please,keep reading. * Music that doesn't have music videos shot for every single released.As when it comes to underground,a single is not much more than a 7-inch with a song on each side.Often never connected to albums. Music videos are just a way of marketing.Most of favourite bands only have one or two music videos of songs that weren't even released as singles.And thats only the ones that are on the successful end of Underground.
137
* Music that will not have live footage shot professionally but by members of the audience who will always be close enough to the band to produce a good video. The reasons why mainstream artists need pros to tape their concerts are a) The majority of people filming use their phones b) The crowd don't know how to shut up,thus blocking the sound on the camera c) The people have such a bad taste in video.They'd rather watch what is basically a music video rather than how someone in the audience would see it (and hear it). d) It can pass as 'commercial',release it on a DVD or sell it on itunes so the music industry will earn another few million.
138

Ebook: by /g/ary

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Ebook: by /g/ary

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Epic Music Not Played On The Radio

Epic Music Not Played On The Radio

Powered by Pothi.com http://pothi.com

Upcoming Military Related Career Fairs

VA WATCHDOG DOT ORG

THE BEST WEB-SITE FOR VETERAN INFO....OUTSTANDING!!!!

[click banner below}

Email <The VAWatchdog@gmail.com> Fax VAWatchdog 1-888-658-5058

22) Question: What is advance payment and how do I get

Keep Your Feet and Knees Together Airborne!

Keep Your Airborne!

Dealing with PTSD and/or having thoughts about suicide?

Please let me know if there is anything I should add

US MILITARY PAY CHART

US MILITARY PAY CHART

Military Personnel Pay & Allowance Budgets

Personnel Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers Enlisted Officers

2012 Military Pay and Defense Spending Stats

Find a college; use your benefits.

Your Zip Code: Online Campus Both

Pay Grade E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4 E-3

Under 2 9848 8182 6065 5056 4362 3835 3314 2876

Over 2 10170 8563 6663 5696 5050 4348 3774 2994

Over 3 10384 8739 7100 6090 5387 4693 4347 3619

Over 4 10444 8878 7100 6164 5462 5117 4494 3619

Over 6 10711 9132 7127 6410 5775 5362 4586 3619

O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1

Over 4 4507 3976 3663 3367

Over 6 4714 4138 3871 3571

See Note 2 O-3E O-2E O-1E

Over 8 5631 4732 4008

Over 10 5805 4979 4154

Over 12 6091 5169 4297

Over 14 6332 5311 4494

Over 16 6471 5311 4494

O-3 O-2 O-1

6240 4586 3619

6240 4586 3619

6240 4586 3619

6240 4586 3619

6240 4586 3619

O-8 O-7 O-6

13850 12225 10737

14197 12225 10737

14197 12225 10737

Retire!! Retire!! Retire!!

362 314 288 264 238 226 203 188

396 346 308 277 253 226 203

412 361 322 293 269 226 203

432 376 337 308 269 226 203

447 391 361 321 269 226 203

O-3 O-2 O-1

832 611 482

832 611 482

832 611 482

832 611 482

832 611 482

The Veterans Guide to Applying for Federal Jobs

General Requirements for Preference

Take advantage of the benefits you've earned

6. Don't wait - apply today! s://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Manage Your Health Care Online

Guess Post From My Wife