VETERANS CRISIS LINE 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1
OR TEXT TO 838255
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RGH IS A VETERAN INIATIVE OF
THE FVHD
95 River Rd., Suite C, Canton, CT 860-352-2333
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COVID-19 & RGH
COVID 19 Information and links are located at the end of this newsletter.
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Memorial Day – May 31, 2021
"It's a day of memories and flashbacks that take us to places that we try but can never forget."
Capt. Brian Letendre
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Brian S. Letendre
Marine Captain
New Britain, CT
(KIA 2006 - Iraq)
U. S. Marine Captain Brian Letendre, May 13, 1978 – May 3, 2006, died in Al Anbar Province, Iraq when a suicide vehicle exploded near him. He was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve's Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division out of Plainville, Connecticut.
He served tours in Okinawa, Japan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Commander participating in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “V” for Valor. During this second tour in Iraq, Letendre was tasked with training Iraqi soldiers.
Letendre, 27, is survived by his wife Autumn and their son Dillon.
He is survived by many who loved and respected him as a son, brother, husband, father, friend, brother-in-arms and more.
He was a man of valor and great integrity. His leadership is remembered by his Marines with tremendous respect.
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The following link will allow you to see and hear Capt. Brian Letendre delivering his Memorial Day Speech in May 2005 prior to his deployment to Iraq. It is a most poignant speech.
(You may need to copy and paste the link into your browser.)
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April is the Month of the Military Child. Click on the banner below to learn more. |
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Flag box placement in Simsbury Library
In March, members of Metacomet Post 1926, Veterans of Foreign Wars, placed a large drop box in the lower lobby of the Simsbury Library for collection of worn or damaged U.S. flags for proper retirement. This effort is part of the mission of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to make sure worn U.S. flags are properly disposed of in a respectful manner. The box was made by Simsbury VFW Senior Vice Commander, Lee Wilson, who will make one more for placement in Eno Memorial Hall later this Spring. Residents are welcome to donate worn U.S. flags during regular library hours. The Simsbury VFW post will hold a retirement ceremony later in the year. Standing at the box is Lee Wilson on the left and VFW Commander John Fox on the right. If there are any questions about this box or flag retirement protocols, please contact Lee Wilson at adj@vfw1926.org
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Click on this link to access the Dept. of Labor Veterans unit:
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Spring is here! The Veteran Garden at Auer Farm will be sprouting and blooming soon! Please come visit this oasis that is taking shape to offer respite in a beautiful and peaceful setting. There are trails to hike, farm animals to visit and beautiful gardens to take in. Or, just sit and breathe in the fresh air and listen to a variety of birds sing. A veteran library box will be installed soon and more plans are in the works for plantings, birdhouses, and opportunities for gathering and for volunteering. Stay tuned! But above all, please come visit this garden supported by Auer Farm and The UCONN Master Gardener program. Your suggestions are welcomed!
The garden is located at 158 Auer Farm Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002
Please feel free to contact RGH (Kim or Leesa) at 860-352-2333 ext. 324 if you have questions.
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This free mobile app is designed to help you build resilience, manage stress, and increase your well-being during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with tools to help you stay connected, work from home, navigate parenting or caregiving, and stay healthy while sheltering in place.
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Click HERE to read article about Coronavirus Updates.
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Silver Star
Banner Day
May 1, 2021
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Click HERE to learn more!
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Operation Resilience Grows Here
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Have you liked our Facebook page?
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Click on the image above to access the recent issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine |
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At the time of this newsletter publication, all activities continue to be limited across the state due to the COVID-19 virus. Future activities will be located on our website or Facebook page. |
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Link for nomination at end of the article.
A variety of scholarships are available to veterans and their spouses and families.
Stay informed about getting a COVID-19 vaccine at VA
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GI Bill vets may be less attractive to for-profit schools under new law
Encouraging Desert Storm Veterans can engage with VA.
Veterans Transition Survival Guide
Virtually Visit the Museum of American War Letters
(Access on mobile phones is not yet available. Please use a desk top or laptop.)
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How to apply for VA health care
Click image below for details on benefits and to check your eligibility online!
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ATTENTION CAREGIVERS!
Click on image below to access the podcasts:
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Blue Star Families' 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey results are in! |
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Click on the image below to access the CT Veterans Bulletin. Another great resource for all that is veteran! |
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Wreaths Across America
This is an ongoing effort to ensure the veterans laid to rest receive a wreath during the holiday season. One of the greatest ways to honor our veterans is to remember their fallen brothers and sisters in arms.
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Click on image below to sponsor a wreath. |
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The following are just a few of our joint Veteran and Civilian Operation Task Forces. Please contact us if you would like assistance in finding services near you.
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Press 1
Confidential Chat at VeteranCrisisLine.net or Text 838255
Military Support Program
866-251-2913
Serving the behavioral health needs of Connecticut Veterans, including National Guard and Reserve members and their families in communities where they live. MSP services are local and confidential.
Semper Fi Fund
(Serving All Branches)
Jay Braca V2V Lead
jay.braca@semperfifund.org
760-450-4126
Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern CT
860-270-0600
Medical and Vocational Rehabilitation for Veterans and Military Families.
Hartford Vet Center
860-563-8800
25 Elm St., Suite A, Rocky Hill, CT
CT Soldiers, Sailors & Marine Fund
Find your representative here.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
VA Regional Office
P.O. Box 310909
Newington, CT 06131-0909
(860) 594-6612
and Family Care
Please click here for more information.
ESGR - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve DOD
860-584-3295
esgrct.mil@gmail.com
Veteran Strong Community Center
860-584-6258
Columbus House, Inc.
(860) 894-2701
Housing and Homelessness Resource
Travis Mill Foundation
(20(207) 480-3490
Health and Wellness Center
CT Dept. of Labor Veterans Services
3580 Main Street
Hartford CT, 06120
(203) 455 – 2711
ryan.barry@ct.gov
ronald.catania@ct.gov
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Click here to learn more!
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April 2021
April is the Month of the Military Child
April 5 - Gold Star Spouses Day
April 14 - Air Force Reserve Birthday
April 23 - Army Reserve Birthday
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May 2021
May 1 - Silver Star Banner Day
May 7 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 13 - Children of Fallen Patriots Day
May 15 - Armed Forces Day
May 31 - Memorial Day
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June 2021
June 6 - D-Day
June 14 - Flag Day
June 14 - Army Birthday
June 27 - National PTSD Awareness Day
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Mail Call for our next newsletter will be in July 2021!
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To learn more about RGH, volunteer opportunities, trainings and events, please visit our website at:
or visit our Facebook page at:
Justine Ginsberg, RN
RGH Director
Community Health Coordinator at FVHD
Leesa Philippon
Communication & Outreach Coordinator
Gold Star Mom / Blue Star Mom
US Army Veteran
We can be reached at 860-352-2333.
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COVID-19 & RGH
Dear Friends and Supporters of Resilience Grows Here,
As we continue to remain vigilant with precautions against COVID, we want you to know that RGH remains committed to our motto: Veterans & Community. Together we thrive!
Being an initiative of the Farmington Valley Health District enables us to provide you with the most current and most dependable information regarding the COVID19 virus.
FVHD is working tirelessly to ensure that our community is taking all the necessary precautions to battle this pandemic. Please visit the FVHD website http://www.fvhd.org/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/info.fvhd.95/ for updates. You will also find practical ways of dealing with social situations, additional safety guidelines and tips on dealing with the inconveniences this illness is causing.
For our veterans and their families, the Veterans Administration does provide guidelines for those who access the VA for healthcare. This link will help guide you in seeking help from your VA provider should you be concerned that you may be experiencing the symptoms of COVID19.
If you’re a patient seeking medical care, call 866-808-7921 before visiting—even if you already have an appointment. Or you can sign in to My HealtheVet and send a secure message. You may be able to get diagnosed and receive care through VA telehealth without having to come in at all.
The most common symptoms include the following and are similar to the common cold and flu:
· Fever
· Dry Cough
· Shortness of breath
· Fatigue
· Sputum Production (thick mucus coughed up from the lungs)
Most people infected with COVID-19 have mild disease and recover.
However, it is very important that we all take responsibility to prevent the spread of this illness to our most vulnerable population who are age 60 and over and any individuals whose health is already compromised.
Per the CT DVA Office of Advocacy and Assistance the following information has been provided regarding Veteran Service Officers:
For the health, safety and welfare of the veterans of CT and DVA staff, all of CT DVA VSO’s are available by email and telephone for the next two weeks, longer if necessary. There are no in-person appointments and outreach events have been postponed. Our staff still stands ready to assist the CT’s veterans and their contact info is located at:
Should you have any questions or need clarification please feel free to call us at 860-352-2333.
Together, we will be stronger and thrive!
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