Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs banner

December Hoosier Veteran Newsletter

Indiana Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 12/04/2020 12:19 PM EST

Happy Holidays 2020

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Shining A Light

Visit Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis for Shining A Light, a seasonally-themed light presentation and a nightly signature salute. The presentation is 365 days a year and is synchronized with an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra original score, paying tribute to the iconic monument. This five-minute light presentation tells many stories. From our servicemen and women, to our veterans, to Indy's past and future, Monument Circle will be the canvas for Indy's legacy every evening. Below is the holiday schedule for Shining A Light:

Nov. 27 – Dec. 31

12 p.m. – National Anthem (Audio Only)

5:15 p.m. – Inner street lights ON

5:30 p.m. – Monument Circle wash Lighting ON

6 p.m. – America the Beautiful (Audio / Amber Monument Lighting)

6:30 p.m. – IPL Lights off on Circle Side until Midnight

6:30 p.m. Signature Salute / Holiday Program

Happy Holidays Projection Loop

7 p.m. – Armed Forces Medley (Audio / Red Monument Lighting)

8 p.m. Signature Salute / Holiday Program

Happy Holidays Projection Loop

10 p.m. Signature Salute / Holiday Program

Happy Holidays Projection Loop

10:30 p.m. – National Anthem / Flag Lighting on Monument

12 a.m. – Projection off / IPL Windows on both Circle and Meridian St.

8:15 a.m. - Monument Circle wash Lighting OFF

December Battle Rhythm

America's Warrior Partnership presents December Battle Rhythm 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7. Guest speakers Lindsey Streeter & Tara Alderete discuss current trends & best practices to support veteran financial health. To register, click HERE.

National Park Entrance Fees Waived

The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks. Starting this month, in addition to those currently serving, Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans receive free access to more than 2,000 Federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. The free access program is a way to thank America’s veterans and Gold Star families for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recre-ational opportunities on their public lands and waters. For more information, click HERE.

Submit art work

Hey kids! To honor our veteran parents, grandparents, family and friends, let's keep the art work going!

You still have time to submit a drawing of the service member or veteran in your life by Dec. 31 with a note of appreciation for us to publish and share. Send art work to:

IDVA 777 N. Meridian St., Ste. 300 Indianapolis 46204 or e-mail to outreach@dva.in.gov.

*Optional to include child's name, age, branch of service represented and city/town where you reside if you wish it to be posted with the art work.

December 4, 2020

Romans Warrior Foundation Oath Takers Retreat

We are an organization seeking corporate sponsorships to partner in our mission of creating a space of peace and tranquility which offers balance and reinvigoration to our Veterans, First Responders, and Gold Star Families. The programs that will be available will include horseback riding, hiking, camping, fellowship, and much more. These activities will help our Nation's Oath Takers transition through trials and tribulations in a safe environment. To donate and learn more, contact:

Romans Warrior Foundation
313 E. Abrams Rd.
Bloomfield, IN 47424
(910) 376-2971 romanswarriorfoundation@gmail.com
Visit our website.

Operation Alpha

Join us for a virtual event benefitting the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation of Indiana, Inc. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 on Zoom. For more details and to join the event, click HERE.

Homeless Persons Memorial Service

Join the Indianapolis community in commemorating the lives of the individuals who have experienced homelessness and have passed away during the year. The service includes a candlelight ceremony, which consists of reading the names and lighting a candle for each person who has passed. December date to be determined. Click HERE to view website.

December 2020
11 to 12 p.m.
Roberts Park United Methodist Church
401 N. Delaware St.
Indianapolis, IN, 46204

Coronavirus Information

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is continuously monitoring the 2019 novel (new) coronavirus or COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

IDVA Roll Call!

WINVet

The VA’s Center for Women Veterans (CWV) and the National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators (NASWVC) have once again committed to better serve women veterans throughout the nation including Indiana. On December 2, 2020, history was made with the first virtual signing between the two with a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). The MOU partners the two groups as they are determined to make a better life for women veterans. This means better communications, more opportunities for research, supporting outreach events, and collectively collaborating to give you the best resources available.

Check out their websites:

https://www.va.gov/womenvet/

https://www.naswvc.org/

VA’s Women Veterans Quick Start Guide now available

The VA Women Veterans Quick Start Guide (QSG) provides clear and concise information on how to apply for benefits and access VA health care. How to schedule regular checkups, fill prescriptions and access specialists, such as cardiologists, gynecologists and mental health providers, are outlined in the latest quick start guide. For more information, click HERE.

Wreaths Across America at IVMC

Wreaths Across America at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 19. Wreaths will be placed by staff only and will be viewable by families. Please wear masks and maintain social distancing. For more information, click HERE.

Indiana Veterans Home

Staff & volunteers will place wreaths for Wreaths Across America in the IVH cemetery Dec. 18. Everyone is invited to drive through Dec. 19 to view wreaths.
IVH's Amazon Wish List donations are now being accepted. Please visit this link to purchase and donate items directly to IVH: Amazon Wish List. Contact Tom Smith, Community Services Director for more information: (765) 497-8512.

Indiana military families receive free Christmas trees from community partners

By Randall Newsome

(Reprinted from our WISH8 local partner website.)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — For the last few years, some of Indiana’s military families have gotten a special gift, ahead of the holiday season: a freshly cut Christmas tree.

The Avalanche Food Group, which owns the Twin Peaks restaurant, has been using their East 82nd Street parking lot to host a Christmas tree giveaway for veterans and their families. They have teamed up with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides academic scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled military men and women.

To read the full story, click HERE.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Delete Profile | Help