Benefits for Vets
Benefits for Vets
Suffolk County Veteran’s Court Mentoring Program
Mission Statement:
The Mission of the Veteran’s Mentoring Program is to support the veteran through their readjustment to civilian life and to act as a friend and ally through this difficult time.
Vision Statement:
The Vision of the Veteran’s Mentoring Program is that “No veteran is left behind.”
Having VVA Chapter 11 veterans participate as mentors is an important part of the Suffolk County Veteran’s Court, as there is a bond that occurs between veterans around the values that are shared by the military and the sacrifices that have been made during military service.
The Mentoring Program offers support and encouragement for veterans in the court system by spending one-on-one time with the veteran after they appear during the proceedings of the Veteran’s Court. These mentoring sessions usually do not last longer than 10 minutes and give the veteran the opportunity to bring up concerns and get feedback and support from another veteran. The Mentor is a resource to the veteran, NOT A COUNSELOR.
VVA Chapter 11 A.K.A. “The green jackets”, has participated as mentors since the veterans court began in February of 2011. Currently, we are the only VSO in Suffolk County, NY to volunteer as mentors in this program. Nine of the veterans in our chapter volunteer in the Mentoring Program. The presiding judge is also a combat Vietnam veteran and also a life member of VVA Chapter 11. As mentors, we are proud to participate in the upcoming graduation of 16 veterans that have completed their treatment successfully. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a mentee at the VAMC and have him say, “Thanks for caring; thanks for saving my life”.
Submitted by Frank D’Aversa
New ID Cards for veterans enrolled in VA Health Care
The VA is introducing a new secure identification card called the Veterans Health Identification Care… This new card will replace any old card that you may have been issued; since 2004 or before.
As part of a phased rollout on February 21, 2014, VA began issuing the newly designed, more secure cards to newly enrolled veterans and others who were not issued the old cards for whatever reason. Starting in April the VA will begin a replacement effort to automatically mail the more secure identification cards to veterans who have the older veteran’s identification cards.
The VA is saying that all of the old identification cards should be replaced by July. (We’ll see how that goes). To ensure that you get the new card, make sure the VA has your correct mailing address.
The new cards will have a new look and feel to them and the social security number and date of birth will be removed from the bar code magnetic strip on the card. The new card will display the veteran’s member ID, and branch of service emblem, a new unique identifier, as well as a plan ID which reflects the veteran’s enrollment in VA health care.
At your next VA appointment you can request to get this new card. You will need to have your picture taken and you will have to have updated identification (such as diver license) or VA health card cards, military ID card, etc. Once your enrollment is confirmed your new identification card will be mailed to you, generally within 5 -7 days.
For more info: (877) 222-8387 or on line: