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March Hoosier Veteran Newsletter

Indiana Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 03/06/2020 10:33 AM EST

IDVA, DAV partner to help Gold Star mom, veteran

Unmet needs updates

by Gabrielle Owens, General Counsel

Indianapolis - In the spirit of true partnership and a passion for serving those who served, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have recently partnered on two occasions. The first partnering occurred concerning a Gold Star mom and the second involved a veteran in imminent danger of having no gas or electric during the colds months of Indiana winter.

Gold Star Mom – IDVA received a Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) application from a son who had lost her son as he served in the Army overseas in hostile territory. The Gold Star Mom had fallen behind on her rent due to surgery that made it impossible for her to work. The Gold Star mom is back on her feet and working, but the amount of past due rent is insurmountable for her to tackle on her own. The Gold Star Mom and her two children living with her were in imminent danger of being evicted. The only way to forestall the eviction was the speedy payment of the back rent. IDVA reached out to DAV who instantly agreed to partner with IDVA to help a Gold Star Mom and her family. DAV paid the Gold Star Mom’s back rent the same day that IDVA reached out to DAV. Due to the teamwork between IDVA and DAV, a Gold Star family remains in their home.

Disconnected Veteran – An Army veteran walked into the IDVA offices to apply for MFRF benefits since his gas service had already been disconnected and his electricity was scheduled to be disconnected the previous day. Since the veteran had already received funds from the MFRF program, there was not enough MFRF monies left to satisfy the past due balances of the veteran’s gas and electricity services. Once again, IDVA reached out to DAV in hopes of partnering to serve a veteran in need. While IDVA pledged the remaining amount of MFRF monies available to the veteran, DAV dispatched an employee to the gas provider to make payment. Thanks to the combined efforts and teamwork of IDVA and DAV, the veteran’s emergency needs were able to be met the same day that he walked into the IDVA offices. As a result, the veteran will not be braving an Indiana winter without gas or electric.

For more information about applying for MFRF, click here.

March 6, 2020

Register for Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike

Join the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and the Irreverent Warriors for the first Indianapolis Silkies Hike beginning at 8 a.m. April 25 at the Indiana War Memorial 55 E. Michigan St. Indianapolis. Participants will hike a 22K while carrying 22KG to raise awareness of the more than 22 U.S. military veterans who take their lives each day. Partner with us by purchasing a sponsor package. For information about sponsorship, please click here. For more information about the hike, visit IrreverantWarriors.com.

Salute to Veterans Golf Outing 2020

Have you registered your team for the June 5 Salute to Veterans Golf Outing yet? Space is limited to 34 teams so pre-register now with Mike Aichele at saichele@dva.in.gov or call 317.677.6899. Entry fee is $320 per team ($80/player) and the price includes a golf cart, greens fee, extraordinary Southern BBQ buffet and water, coffee, soda and alcohol. Please make checks payable to WISH for OUR HEROES.

Veteran support

House Enrolled Act 1010

Gov. Holcomb signed HEA 1010 on Aug. 5, 2019 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This measure marked the most comprehensive change to military retirement pay and survivor's benefits in Indiana history and furthered the governor's NextLevel Veterans agenda. The following shows what retired military veterans and surviving spouses should expect when they file their state taxes:

Taxable year 2019:

25% exemption above $6,250

Taxable year 2020:

50% exemption above $6,250

Taxable year 2021:

75% exemption above $6,250

Taxable year 2022 and beyond:

100% exemption

Veteran career & resource fair

Find a new career beginning at 10 a.m. April 29 at the Marriott Indianapolis East 7202 East 21st St. Indianapolis. This event is free and open to veterans and their spouses. Meet and interview with hiring managers from local businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, receive immediate feedback on your resume and possibly even be interviewed on the spot! For more information, click here.

MOVE! Weight Management

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs MOVE! campaign to help veterans manage their weight is now offered at Roudebush VA Medical Center 1481 W. 10th St. Indianapolis. If weight management is your next challenge, Veteran Health Indiana is ready to help. The program features coaching and feedback on weight goals, support for healthy eating and increased physical activity, no co-pay, and appointments without a referral. Please call 317.974.4000 for more information.

Events

Northwest Indiana Vietnam Veterans Tribute

Join Folds of Honor of Northwest Indiana and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as they pay tribute to America's Vietnam veterans beginning at 6 p.m. March 28 at Wicker Memorial Park 8554 Indianapolis Blvd. Highland. Special Guest Speaker is Gregory Allen Stube, SFC, USA (Ret.) Green Beret. For more information, contact Bob Carnagey at bobcarnagey@msn.com.

Veterans writing workshop open house

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. April 9 at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, we are holding a one-of-kind writing workshop for veterans titled "Writing in Peace" and based at the site of the Richard Lieber Cabin at Turkey Run State Park. Join us at the library for an open house to learn about our Indiana Arts Commission Arts in the Parks creative writing program which will host up to 20 veterans per month this May through October in a personal writing program in the inspiring setting of one of Indiana's natural paradises. Led by Indianapolis writer Bonnie Maurer, the program will be free for participants and highlight the importance of the Indiana parks system, as well as allow veterans to explore how writing can be a powerful tool for personal growth. This activity is made possible in part by support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Please sign up here.

We're Moving!

The Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs will re-locate their offices to 777 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis beginning Spring 2020. Our newly renovated original home is a larger location that will offer the same benefit services with enhanced capabilities and access to better serve our Hoosier veteran community. Located across the street from the Capehart Federal Building and within a one mile walk of the Indiana Government Center, the new location will feature State Approving Agency offices, Regional office representatives, medical and health care representatives and private organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Stay up-to-date at in.gov/dva.

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