Department of Massachusetts VFW Communications # 6

VFW’s Youth and Teacher Competition Deadlines Nearing
Student and teacher entries are due by Oct. 31

The VFW is still accepting applications for its popular Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions, as well as its Teacher of the Year award. The application deadline for all three programs is Oct. 31.

As the top patriotic essay competition in the country with a top prize of a $30,000 scholarship, more than 46,000 high school students participate in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition each year. Participants in this year’s competition will share their thought-provoking ideas as they address American History: Our Hope for the Future .

Last year more than 122,000 sixth through eighth-grade students participated in the VFW Patriot’s Pen essay competition. This year to win their slice of more than $54,000 in national awards, students are being challenged to discuss America’s Gift to My Generation .

With the important job of inspiring the minds of tomorrow’s leaders, the VFW also recognizes the nation’s top elementary, junior high and high school teachers, who go above and beyond to instill a sense of national pride in their students. Now is your chance to recognize patriotic teachers in your community today! 



Voice of Democracy 2017-18 theme is: 
American History: Our Hope for the Future

Patriot's Pen The 2017-18 theme is: 
America's Gift to My Generation


TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS Click Here

PROGRAM DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 31, 2017 TO POST


The VFW Department Service Office is available for ALL veterans needing claims assistance. Whether filing an initial VA claim, requesting an increase in benefits or would like to file a notice of disagreement – we are here to assist you.

The Department Service Office is located in the
JFK Federal Building, 15th Floor,
Suite 1500C
Boston MA 02133 

State Service Officer Mark Allen and Executive Assistant Leah LaPointe are there weekdays to assist any veterans needing assistance with VA claims and benefits.


In addition to the main office in Boston, the Department currently has two Assistant State Service Officers that provide outreach services all throughout the state.

Below are the two current officers who provide coverage as follows:

Delray Dorsey– South Region.
(781) 812-8125 or email at: delraydorsey1399@gmail.com .

MONDAYS (8am – 2pm):
JFK Building

NEW Location as of 10/1/2017
TUESDAYS (9am – 3pm):
Brockton VAMC 440 Belmont Street Brockton, MA
building 3 6th Floor Room 604A

THURSDAYS (9am – 3pm):
Jamaica Plain VAMC (9am-3pm)
150 South Huntington Avenue Boston, MA
C-wing Room C-32



Nicolle Phillips – West Region.
(413) 347-2307 or email at: nphillipsVFW@gmail.com.

MONDAYS (10am – 3pm):
Northampton-Leeds VAMC, Bldg 1, Room 1062. located at: 421 N. Main Street, Leeds, MA 01053.

TUESDAYS (10am – 4pm):
Springfield City Hall, Veterans Services in Room 101. 36 Court Street, Springfield, MA 01103. * Please call (413) 787-6141 to schedule an appointment.

WEDNESDAYS (10am – 4pm):
Pittsfield City Hall, Veterans Services in Room 204.
70 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

THURSDAYS (9am – 3pm):
Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. * Please check in at the main front desk .


Did you know,

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its Department of Veterans' Services are pleased to provide an annuity in the amount of $2,000 which is payable biannually on August 1st and February 1st in two installments of $1,000 each. Please be aware that NEW applications for an August payment must be received and approved by DVS June 30th in any given year. NEW Applications for a February payment must be received and approved by DVS by December 31st in any given year
This annuity is given in recognition of the service of our distinguished 100% service-connected disabled veterans and to the parents of distinguished veterans (Gold Star Parents) and the unmarried spouses (Gold Star Wives or Husbands) of distinguished veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country during wartime. Eligible applicants should meet the following criteria:

Veteran
Meets one of the service time requirements set forth in 108 CMR 3.03.
Has received any discharge from military service other than a dishonorable discharge.
Is a resident of Massachusetts at the time of applying for the annuity and continues to be a resident of the Commonwealth as per M.G.L. Ch. 115, s.6A.
Meets the requirements for blindness, paraplegia, double amputation or other disability set forth in M.G.L. ch. 115, s.6B and so certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Proof of service and disability shall be furnished to the Commissioner as per M.G.L. Ch. 115, s.6C.

Parent or Spouse
Death of veteran must be service-connected.
Parent/spouse must reside in the Commonwealth and must continue to reside in Massachusetts from the date of application and while in receipt of the annuity payments.
Spouses must not be remarried.

How to Apply
To receive the annuity the applicant must complete the application, the IRS' W-9 Form, and the Electronic Funds Transfer signup sheet. Submit all annuity applications to:
Department of Veterans' Services
Attn: Annuities
600 Washington St., 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Forms can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat PDF format online. An application may also be obtained by regular mail by calling the Department of Veterans' Services (617-210-5480) NO FAX APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a bonus to veterans who were domiciled in Massachusetts immediately prior to entry in the armed forces. In case of the death of a veteran, the spouse and children, mother or father, brother or sister or other dependents of the deceased veteran (in that order) are eligible for a bonus
Up Coming Events
Please see the following opportunity for VFW Posts to help a fellow VFW member along his journey!

Combat-wounded double-amputee and VFW Life member Rob Jones will attempt to run 31 marathons in 31 days beginning this Thursday in London, England, and finishing on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day 2017. He would very much appreciate any and all VFW support along his journey of running 26.2 miles x 31 days through two allied countries, 22 U.S. states, and the District of Columbia. Click here to read Rob’s remarkable story of survival, and to follow him along his incredible journey of strength, stamina and perseverance. http://www.robjonesjourney.com/schedule/
VFW AND GIVE AN HOUR On October 28, 2017, the VFW and Give an Hour, the lead organization for the Campaign to Change Direction, are partnering for the second annual A Day to Change Direction , a national day of service and action to change the dialogue on mental health for America’s veterans and American communities. VFW Posts are encouraged to host events that will educate your community about the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-Being. You can choose to host a screening of the documentary Into the Light followed by a group discussion or you can participate in or host a community service event. Collectively, we believe in gathering together veterans and their families, community members, and clinicians to connect in a positive environment. Furthermore, we want to use this as an opportunity to encourage all Americans to pay attention to their emotional well-being as well as the emotional well-being of others.
 

STEPS TO PARTICIPATE

 

Step One: VFW Posts and Auxiliaries interested in participating will identify a central point of contact and report this to Lynn Rolf at LRolf@vfw.org.

Step Two: Identify & plan a screening of the documentary Into the Light or identify a community service project. Samples of possible events are below.

Step Three: Prepare for the event by using the tools below to market your event and educate yourself on the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-Being.

Step Four: Host A Day to Change Direction

BEIRUT MEMORIAL:  "A Time to Remember” Ceremony, Massachusetts Beirut Memorial, Sunday October 15, 2017, 100 Atlantic Ave Boston, MA
 

COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING : The Next Council of Administration Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 4th 2017 at 10:30 AM at Lowell VFW Post 662, 190 Plain Street Lowell, MA 01852. Council of Administration meeting is open to any member in good standings. The COA meeting will begin at 10:30AM.

Statewide Events
Click here for PDF Printable Communications Documents