Veterans Day is Nov. 11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2022
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167Treasury Provides Special Benefits to Military Members and Veterans
Veterans Day is Nov. 11
LANSING, Mich. – As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, the state of Michigan extends its gratitude to current and former military members by reminding them of the special benefits they may be entitled to receive through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Current and former military members may be eligible to receive:
- Military Pay Tax Exemption. Military pay is exempt from Michigan tax, including military retirement benefits and exit and separation pay.
- Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. This program provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the children of Michigan veterans who were totally and permanently disabled, missing in action or died while serving. Students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four academic years for a total of up to $11,200.
- Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption. A property tax exemption for real property used and owned as a homestead as outlined in state law.
- Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) for Active Duty Military Personnel. Property owners can retain a PRE while on active duty if their property is rented or leased.
- Property Tax Relief during Active Military Service. Property owned by a serviceperson cannot be sold to pay delinquent property taxes during a tour of active duty.
- Summer Property Tax Deferment. A serviceperson, veteran or widow or widower whose income outside of military compensation is no more than $7,500 per year may be eligible for a summer property tax deferment.
- Federal Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. The spouse of an individual in the military may not be subject to the state's taxation if they are a nonresident of the state, the service member is present in the state due to military orders, the spouse is solely in the state to accompany the service member, and the spouse maintains a domicile in another state. This act was amended in December 2018 to alternately allow military spouses to elect the same state of domicile as their service member spouse, even if they are not present in that state.
"The Michigan Department of Treasury will work closely with our military members past and present to ensure they get the tax benefits and other resources they deserve," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. "If you have questions about any of these benefits, please contact us so we can talk about your options."
Individuals with questions about tax relief and other benefits for current and past military members should go to Michigan.gov/Treasury and click on "Contact." Program-specific phone numbers can be found on the "Contact" webpage.
In addition, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks recently talked with Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency Director Zaneta Adams to learn about the benefits of a small business becoming a veteran-friendly employer. Individuals can listen to the discussion on the Treasury Talk: The Veteran-Friendly Employer Program and Your Small Business podcast.
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Monday, November 14, 2022
[NEWS RELEASE] Treasury Provides Special Benefits to Military Members and Veterans
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
VA CFBNP Information Sharing: VA will prioritize delivering benefits to Veterans with cancer under PACT Act
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VA CFBNP Information Sharing: VA will prioritize delivering benefits to Veterans with cancer under PACT Act
VA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) Information Sharing
VA will prioritize delivering benefits to Veterans with cancer under PACT Act
WASHINGTON — Today, on National Cancer Awareness Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will prioritize the processing of Veterans' benefits claims for cancers associated with the PACT Act. VA will expedite these claims to ensure Veterans with cancer are getting timely access to the care and benefits they need and deserve.
The PACT Act added presumptions of service connection for more than 20 new conditions, including various cancers. These presumptions help Veterans get their earned benefits by reducing the evidence necessary for VA to find that a condition was caused by burn pits or other toxic exposures. They also simplify the claims process by eliminating the need to establish a link between the Veteran's service and the claimed condition.
Since the PACT Act was signed into law August 10, Veterans have filed nearly 125,000 PACT Act-related claims. Of those claims, nearly 14,000 are for cancers covered by the PACT Act.
"We are working hard to get benefits to all Veterans who qualify under the PACT ACT as soon as possible, and Veterans living with cancer are at particular risk," said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. "Expediting claims for these Vets will ensure that they get the care and benefits they need and so rightly deserve."
This decision is a part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader efforts to care for those with cancer and end cancer as we know it. In addition to prioritizing claims for Veterans with cancer, VA will continue to prioritize the processing of claims for Veterans with terminal illnesses and those experiencing homelessness.
VA will begin processing all PACT Act-related claims Jan 1, 2023. In anticipation of the surge in new claims, VA is hiring at 56 regional offices and 39 other special processing and call centers within the United States and Puerto Rico. Learn about the positions and how to apply.
For more information about PACT Act and how to file a claim, visit va.gov/PACT. If Veterans, their families, caregivers or survivors have questions about PACT Act and wish to speak with someone to help, they may call 1-800-MyVA411 at any time.
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Monday, October 31, 2022
Your VA claim exam questions answered
VA claim exams are a critical part of the claims process and VA wants to help you understand this process.
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Dear Veteran,
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that you may have questions regarding the VA claim exam (also known as a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam) process if you have filed a disability claim. To help answer many of these questions, VA has updated the following two websites regarding VA claim exams:
VA claim exams are a critical part of the claims process and VA wants to help you understand this process. VA's updated websites provide answers about why a claim exam may or may not be needed, who contacts you about scheduling exams and how you may be contacted. These new webpages contain answers to additional questions such as:
- What to do if an exam is missed;
- How to reschedule an appointment;
- What to bring to the exam and how to prepare for it;
- Who completes the exam;
- Costs or travel expenses and so much more.
Please visit our updated websites for answers to frequently asked questions and for updated information regarding VA claim exams.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Great Lakes National Cemetery visit.
On October 23, members of the Riders visited the Great Lakes National Cemetary to memorialize our past comrades. The Riders then rode to a popular lunch spot.
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Virginia and District 4 Riders join trip to VFW National Home
Terry Baxter, Veronica Baxter a guest (Luke Baxter), and Gary Gamble met for breakfast at Olympic Coney Island located in Brownstown and then rode to meet the Virginia VFW Riders group at 11am. We met them at the Pilot Travel Center at US 23 and US 223. They were coming from their hotel located in Westlake, OH. They rode from the east coast of Virginia to Westlake on Day 1. Their group consisted of seven Virginia VFW Riders and two guest Riders from the Motorcycle Ministry. A total of 13 of us. One of them drove a chase vehicle with a trailer in case of a breakdown.
Friday, September 23, 2022
Michigan, VA announce partnership making it easier to vote Fw: Michigan Veterans News & Resources for Sept. 22, 2022
MVAA launches historic effort to combat veteran suicide
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency announced two collaborative initiatives this week to combat veteran suicide in Michigan – a combined investment of up to $3.4 million.
The historic effort includes a $1.2 million investment from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration and a federal suicide-prevention grant from the VA of $750,000 per year for up to three years. The funding will support direct outreach to veterans and address the factors that can lead to suicide such as employment, housing, health care and mental health issues.
The announcement coincided with the release of VA's annual suicide report showing that 178 veterans died by suicide in Michigan in 2020. Over a five-year period (2016-2020), 882 veterans died by suicide, an average of 176 per year.
"Veteran suicide remains a persistent problem in Michigan and nationwide, and we must use every resource and tool we have to protect the lives of our former service members," Whitmer said. "Today's investment will expand funding for suicide prevention efforts in Michigan and build on the ongoing efforts of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to keep veterans and their families safe and healthy."
MVAA Director Zaneta Adams said effective veteran suicide prevention strategy involves a holistic approach. That means addressing the issues that can start a veteran spiraling toward crisis such as housing and employment challenges, substance abuse and lack of mental health supports for combat PTSD. But the first step is getting our former service members to identify as veterans and to understand the benefits and resources that are available to them.
The MVAA, through its new Michigan Veteran Connector initiative, will connect with organizations and businesses across the state in hopes of getting their help in reaching veterans. By simply asking customers if they served in the military and, if so, referring them to the MVAA's 1-800-MICH-VET hotline, these Veteran Connectors can ultimately help veterans get linked to the resources they need to thrive.
"We know that connection to health care and other resources reduces suicides for veterans, so when we help a veteran with housing needs or emergency grant assistance, we are part of the prevention," Adams said. "But we need help from everyone. From barbershops to banks to schools to hospitals to churches, we should all take part in preventing suicides among veterans and their families."
The MVAA is also stressing safe gun storage and free gun locks through the VA, as nearly 70% of veteran suicides are the result of firearm injuries. In addition, the agency is promoting the VA's easy-to-remember new Crisis Line number; veterans can now simply dial 988 and press 1 to be connected to a crisis counselor.
How one Michigan couple is giving back to their fellow veterans
Army veterans Angela and Michael Torrez of West Branch
Michael Torrez, 42, of West Branch, has called the Veterans Crisis Line several times to help battle buddies and for his own suicidal ideations. Torrez, a former tank crewman who served two tours in Iraq, lost five friends in battle and three more to suicide after they returned home. At one point following his discharge in 2012, Torrez was homeless and used alcohol to cope.
But Torrez would find hope through VA housing and work therapy programs and by meeting his wife, fellow Army veteran Angela Torrez.
Angela Torrez lost her 16-year-old daughter to suicide in 2018. She decided to give her pain a purpose. She is one of the founding members of a local suicide prevention coalition and is in the process of obtaining her master's degree in social work with a specialization in suicide prevention. She and Michael also volunteer as peer mentors for a national veterans' organization.
In June 2022, Michael and three battle buddies organized a reunion of his former unit near Fort Mitchell, Alabama. More than 70 veterans and family members showed up. One fellow veteran was so thankful to reconnect and stated before the reunion that he was "just waiting to die."
Michael Torrez said the reunion provided healing, forgiveness and even an instance of closure. It also reconnected veterans that live minutes away from one another.
On Sept. 21, Michael and Angela also participated in a roundtable discussion on veteran suicide prevention in Lansing with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, MVAA Director Zaneta Adams and other veteran advocates.
Here is Michael in own words …
Michael Torrez: 'You don't have to fight alone'
During my first deployment with Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2005, I was three months in and my father passed away from cancer. I did not find out about his condition until I was in basic. I had a very short time to grieve and mourn, and back to Iraq I went. I also experienced getting hit with an IED my first tour. Through all this, the fight and mission continued.
During my second deployment, in which I was stop-lossed and sent to OIF for the surge in 2007, five of my battle buddies were killed in three separate incidents. At one point in time during my second tour we were ordered to clear a route on foot for explosives, and after that I noticed a change in becoming reckless with my life. I feel as if this reckless behavior was turned on and I had no way to turn it off. I was left with survivors' guilt, severe PTSD and no hope.
All the while things changed back home. You change. That sacrifice had an effect.
After returning home and discharging from active duty, I couldn't hold it together. Alcohol misuse, navigating a divorce, Friend of the Court and legal trouble coupled with untreated mental health conditions led me to feel hopeless. I wanted to end my life.
I called the Veterans Crisis Line to help de-escalate everything I was feeling and experiencing. They helped get me to where I needed to be mentally. I didn't give up hope, and I knew with help and resources my quality of life would improve. I just had to keep seeking help, being transparent in my needs day to day. Knowing that things will get better. I never imagined myself where I am today.
I have also called the Veterans Crisis Line for a battle buddy who lives out of state. It was the thing to do when you get a phone call from someone telling you, "I love you, goodbye."
I was able to learn to be vocal with my mental health needs. I started receiving assistance from the VA Compensated Work Therapy Program and HUD-VASH housing voucher. I began seeing a mental health provider who was very supportive and who I still see today. I have had this specific provider involved in my care for nine years now.
Today, I still have issues with navigating the systems, but I have the tools in place, and a support system to help. I have connected with various agencies, programs and services and allowed myself to begin a healing process. I am going on seven years sober and am continuing forward with my mental health and wellbeing.
To my battle buddies, we fought together then, and we can fight together now. Reach out to your battle buddies, connect with one another and use the various veteran agencies and services that exist. There are here to help; there is hope. You don't have to fight alone.
If you're a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1; text 838255; or chat online confidentially at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Michigan, VA announce partnership making it easier to vote
On National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 20), the state announced a partnership with the VA, Fox 2 reported.
"We're going to be providing voter registration information and assistance to veterans and their dependents at some VA facilities across the state," said Angela Benander, deputy chief of communications with the Michigan Secretary of State.
The effort allows for quick access to vital information, Benander said.
VA is partnering with Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania to create a pilot voter registration program that provides voter registration information, materials and, if requested, assistance to veterans, eligible dependents and caregivers at select VA facilities.
VA has been working closely with election authorities in these three states to determine how the department can fulfill voter registration requirements set forth by state law and consistent with the spirit and mandates of the National Voter Registration Act to ensure veterans and eligible dependents and caregivers receive accurate and timely information regarding voter registration.
Read more at VA News and Information.
Other news and resources ...
Free career guidance from Fortune 500 mentors can help veterans find jobs
Group tries to overload VA Crisis Line to protest prosecutions of Capitol rioters
National Guard could lose 14,000 soldiers because of COVID vaccine mandate
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE
ARE IN CRISIS:The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified crisis responders who are there to help. Many of these responders are veterans themselves.
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