Soldier Hard - Red Flags Addressing Veterans Suicide Issue (Official Video)

VA's new Hotline For Women Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new hotline—1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) — to receive and respond to questions from Veterans, their families and caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to women Veterans. The service began accepting calls on March 27, 2013.

“Some women Veterans may not know about high-quality VA care and services available to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

“The hotline will allow us to field their questions and provide critical information about the latest enhancements in VA services.” The hotline is staffed by knowledgeable VA employees who can provide information about benefits including health care services for women. Callers can be linked to information on claims, education or health care appointments as well as information about VA cemeteries and memorial benefits. Staff can answer urgent questions and provide referrals to homeless and mental health services as well as provide Vet Center information.

Women make up nearly 15 percent of today’s active duty military and 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces. The population of women Veterans using VA benefits including health care is growing rapidly. Since 2000, the number of women using VA health care more than doubled, from nearly 160,000 in 2000 to more than 354,000 in 2012. Based on the upward trend of women in all branches of service, the number of women Veterans—and female VA users—will keep climbing.

Women Veterans utilizing the Stratton VAMC and CBOC services can also call our Medical Center's Women Veterans Health Center at (518) 626-PINK (518-626-7465) to talk to a care giver and for a directory of services.

National Volunteer Week: In Depth with Paula Gabris

"With National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, compassion towards the needs of others is so important. The attributes can be used to describe Excelsior College’s faculty and staff who collectively help various causes throughout the year.  This week we will share stories about  individuals working in higher education who are making a difference in their community."

Click Here to read the full article

Vote for Saratoga County RPC - VetHelp

The mission of Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company’s VETHELP program is to serve the needs of homeless military veterans by empowering them to embrace and maintain independent living and self-sufficiency. This is effectively accomplished by helping them secure temporary and permanent housing, viable employment, and access to health care and address other issues facing these veterans in their journey through life.

http://www.vethelpny.org/ - Proposed Project

Saratoga County RPC – VETHELP provides a transitional home for homeless, female veterans who are striving to regain independence. They plan to use the $25,000 to provide additional living space in the home by demolishing unusable space and rebuilding to promote healthy living for the female veterans. Partnering with Team Depot and volunteers from Rebuilding Together Saratoga County to complete the project, the new addition to their facility would include a study/office for veterans actively seeking employment and completing school work. They also plan to incorporate an exercise room that will promote overall wellness for the mind, body, and soul as well as an outdoor gardening area to promote a positive and creative outlet. The additional space will be converted into a storage area which will be utilized as veterans accumulate household belongings in preparation of their transition back into the community and independent living. They will also paint, install sheetrock and insulation, and provide landscaping.

Go to https://apps.facebook.com/apronsinaction/ to vote for this project.

Team Red, White and Blue Community

What runners and the community experienced in Boston a week ago, is the exact same thing that hundreds of thousands of service members have experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade.

In the chaotic aftermath of the bombing, Team Red, White & Blue members from across the country began posting on Facebook a photo and a short video of a Team RWB veteran who turned his RWB shirt into a tourniquet. This action reminded us of the positive things happening amid the evil. It also put the spirit of Team RWB on full display for millions of Americans to see.

We had 17 Team RWB athletes who ran in the Boston Marathon last Monday, including, veterans, active duty and non-military. Thankfully, none of them were injured, but each is forever changed. Within a few hours of the attacks, our organization committed to responding to the evil and pain with hope, strength and optimism. We did this by organizing "Team RWB response runs" across the country in over 45 cities. This video captures Team Red, White & Blue communities in action and we encourage you to share this with others.

Please let them know about what we do and why---and encourage them to learn about our Team.

Thanks for your support.
IT'S OUR TURN!
Mike Erwin
Chairman and Founder

Run in Honor of Boston

Calling all runners please join team Red, White and Blue tonight (4/17) at 6:30 they are doing a run in honor of those who were lost or hurt in Boston. They would love to have all runners join them. They will meet at the soldier and sailor statue in Washington Park (off of Willett) in Albany. Please spread the word !!! Thanks

On Her Shoulders

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Lunch

Excelsior College was proud to be the sponsor for a brunch honoring our Vietnam Veterans (3/22/13)!

The EC Community Service Committee couldn't have  put this on without the great folks at the Albany VA Hospital. I was personally touched by all the men and women who attended this event!

So proud to be part of this event can't wait to help out next year!!!

Equine Retreat for Female Veterans

Peaceful Acres Horses and The Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany Collaborate For Women's Wellness

Peaceful Acres Horses is looking forward to serving our Country's women veterans here at the ranch starting this spring! Women from The Capital Region and beyond will have an opportunity to Retreat for Wellness at Peaceful Acres Horses. Each 3 day retreat will offer Equine Guided Experiential Learning, guided meditation, yoga, massage, exercise classes, nature walks and spectacular nutritious meals!

Thank you to The Wright Family Foundation, Steve and Janet Wozniak, The Charles R Wood Foundation and The George and Ethel Kennedy Foundation for helping PAH to get our ranch set up to accommodate retreat participants! The ranch is looking spectacular!

PAH is looking for some very special champions for this project. If you have it in your heart to support a woman veteran, please donate to Retreats for Veterans / Sisterhood Retreat http://www.peacefulacreshorses.com/Retreat.html

Donations will support an estimated 60-80 women that we will serve this year!

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Office: 518-887-3178

Contributions may also be made to Peaceful Acres Horses and mailed to 3740 Rynex Corners Rd Pattersonville, NY 12137 Please memo your donation to: Veteran Women’s Retreats

Full Individual Scholarship $1,000

Thank you to The Stratton VA Medical Center - The Women’s Center, Producers of: Service - When Women Come Marching Home and others who have helped PAH to form this wonderful collaborative program!

Peace ~ Nanci Beyerl, MSW

Founder and Executive Director

Is Online Learning Right for You?

"According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 38 percent of students who enrolled in higher education are over 25 years of age. Many must balance school with working full-time and raising a family. Life is different for these adult students.

But is online learning for everyone? And how does a student determine if it is a good fit for them?"

Click here to read the full article.