The VVMF is collecting photos to match each of the 58,272 names on The Wall and they are raising fund to build an Education Center near The Wall. It will include the photos and personal stories of those whose names are on The Wall, will be a lasting legacy for all Vietnam veterans, and will tell visitors about the Vietnam War.

To upload a digital photo, visit the website www.vvmf.org/thewall and search for your casualty by name. Once you find the right person, click on “profile,” then click on “post a remembrance” to add a photo. You can also submit a copy of a photo by mail (do NOT submit original photos, they will not be returned). The directions at www.vvmf.org/photos detail the information required to accompany the photo.

The VVMF plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Education Center on Veterans Day, November 11, 2012. A goal to raise $1,000 for each individual name on The Wall has been set; contributions from families and friends of Vietnam veterans, veterans’ organizations and schools are all needed to reach the goal. Donations can be made online at www.vvwf.org/onlinedonation.

To submit a photo or make a donation by mail, write to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20037.

The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for veterans whose death occurred on or after 1 November 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Under federal law, eligible veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both. Veterans buried in a national or state veterans cemetery will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.

The medallion is available in three widths: five, three and 1½inches. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word “Veteran” at the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Next of kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.
More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions can be found at www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp.

VA is currently developing an application form for ordering the medallion. Until it is available, applicants may use the form for ordering government headstones and markers, VA Form 40-1330. Instructions on how to apply for a medallion are found on the VA website at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or grave marker.

The new medallions will be available only to veterans buried in private cemeteries without a government headstone or marker. Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA website, www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800/827-1000.

Vessels that operated primarily or exclusively on the inland waterways

All U.S. Coast Guard Cutters with hull designation WPB [patrol boat] and WHEC [high endurance cutters]

USS Mark (AKL-12) [light cargo ship]; USS Brule (AKL-28)

USS Patapsco (AOG-1) [gasoline tanker]; USS Elkhorn (AOG-7); USS Genesee (AOG-8); USS Kishwaukee (AOG-9); USS Tombigbee (AOG-11); USS Noxubee (AOG-56)

USS Okanogan (APA-210) [attack transport]; USS Montrose (APA-212); USS Bexar (APA-237)

USS Benewah (APB-35) [self-propelled barracks ship]; USS Colleton (APB-36); USS Mercer (APB-39); USS Nueces (APB-40)
Barracks Barge (APL-26) [sleeping quarters]; Barracks Barge (APL-30)

USS Tutuila (ARG-4) [repair ship]

USS Satyr (ARL-23) [repair ship]; USS Sphinx (ARL-24); USS Askari (ARL-30); USS Indra (ARL-37); USS Krishna (ARL-38)

USS Belle Grove (LSD-2) [landing ship dock]; USS Comstock (LSD-19); USS Tortuga (LSD-26)

USS Asheville (PG-84) [patrol gunboat]; USS Gallop (PG-85); USS Antelope (PG-86); USS Ready (PG-87); USS Crockett (PG-88); USS Marathon (PG-89); USS Canon (PG-90)

Floating Base Platform (YRBM-17) [repair, berthing, and messing barge]; Floating Base Platform (YRBM-18); Floating Base Platform (YRBM-20)

Winnemucca (YTB-785) [harbor tug]

Vessels that operated temporarily on Vietnam’s inland waterways or docked to the shore:

USS Card (ACV-11) [escort carrier] mined, sunk, and salvaged in Saigon River Harbor during May 1964

USS Maury (AGS-16) [mapping survey ship] conducted surveys of Mekong Delta and other coastal areas and rivers beginning November 1965 through 1969

USS Henrico (APA-45) [amphibious attack transport] operated on Hue River during March ’65 and conducted numerous troop landings through March ’67

USS Montrose (APA-212) operated on Song Hue River during Dec. ’65, operated on Long Tau River during March ’67, and operated on Cua Viet River and at Dong Ha during May ’67

USS Talladega (APA-208) operated on Saigon River during Oct. ’67

USS Bolster (ARS-38) [salvage ship] crew operated on land

USS Canberra (CAG-2) [guided missile cruiser] operated on Saigon River from 31 March-1 April 66, on Cua Viet River on 15 Dec 66, and on Mekong Delta Ham Luong River on 15 Jan 67

USS Sproston (DD-577) [destroyer] operated on Mekong Delta and Ganh Rai Bay during Jan. ’66

USS Picking (DD-685) operated on Saigon River on 16 Nov 65

USS Epperson (DD-719) docked to Da Nang Pier on 4 Oct 70

USS Southerland (DD-743) operated on Song Nga Bay and Saigon River during July ’66

USS John W. Thomason (DD-760) operated on Nga Be River during 1969

USS Buck (DD-761) operated on Mekong River Delta and Saigon River during Oct. ’66

USS Preston (DD-795) operated on Mekong River Delta, Ganh Rai Bay, and Saigon River during 28-29 Sep 65 and 27-29 Dec 65

USS Warrington (DD-843) operated on Mekong River Delta Rung Sat Special Zone, North of Vung Gahn Rai Bay during March ’67

USS Dyess (DD-880) operated on Saigon River and Rung Sat Special Zone from 19 June-1 July 66

USS Perkins (DD-877) operated on Saigon River during June ’69

USS Orleck (DD-886) operated on Mekong River Delta during July ’69

USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) [guided missile destroyer] operated on Mekong River Delta and Ganh Rai Bay during 7 Nov-7 Dec 68

USS Waddell (DDG-24) operated on Cua Viet River during March ’67

USS Newell (DER-322) [radar destroyer escort] docked at port of Nha Trang during 22-24 Dec 65

USS Duluth (LPD-6) [amphibious transport dock] docked to pier at Da Nang during March and October ’71

USS Cleveland (LPD-7) operated on Cua Viet River and at Dong Ha, as well as Hue River, from Nov. ’67 through 1968 and Saigon River during Sept. ’69

USS Dubuque (LPD-8) docked at Da Nang on 15 March 70

USS Boxer (LPH-4) [amphibious assault ship] docked to pier at Cam Rahn Bay on 9 Sep 65

USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) [landing ship dock] operated on Cua Viet River and at Dong Ha during Dec. ’67

Identify What will Affect your Transition
• How well you have prepared yourself prior to leaving the service?
• What type of job do you want to pursue?
• What is your location flexibility?
• What is your family status?

Three Keys for Preparing Yourself for Transition
I speak regularly with service members who tell me that they want a job that’s different from those they’ve performed in the military. How do you prepare for a job you’ve never done before?

1) Start planning your career before leaving the service. Don’t wait until you are about to leave the service before you start planning for the type of career you want. Explore industries and job options early, then narrow down your options. Get the training you need in advance, whether that is a degree, a certification, internship experience – or all of the above.

2) Determine the skills you’ll need to distinguish yourself. While everyone in the military has a job to do, there is a significant shortage of jobs in the civilian world. What will set you apart in your job search? The answer is your military service, degree-specific training, applicable certifications, and work experience.

3) Start interviewing before you leave the service. Don’t wait until the last minute to research where the jobs are and what fields are hiring. The best of all worlds is to be hired and have the job waiting for you before you get out.

Personal Traits can Create Advantages
• Companies like to hire veterans. Many companies like to hire former service members because they know the military teaches teamwork, discipline, responsibility for starting and completing a project, and leadership. Identify personal examples of where you contributed to your mission or service in these areas.
• Ability to relocate is an advantage. If you are flexible in where you relocate, you could have another advantage. It can be a significant incentive for an employer to consider you when they know that the military will pay to move you to their location.
• Consider family interests. Don’t leave your spouse and family out of the planning process. When you consider potential jobs, take into account schools, health insurance, and lifestyle for them. The better you plan for their move, the more likely they will have a successful transition, too.

Transition Resources are Available
There are many resources available to help you think about and plan your transition. Here are a few good ones:
• Department of Labor: www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/main.htm (Note DOL offers this program in conjunction with DoD and VA)
• Military.com: transitionstories.military.com/2009/07/11-things-i-figured-out-about-the-civilian-workforce.html
• Veteran Affairs: www.oefoif.va.gov/
• Military transition consultant: www.bradley-morris.com/MilitarytoCivilianTransition.html

Remember the three keys to transition success: Degrees. Certifications. Experience. American Sentinel can help you with the training you need for an accredited degree or I.T. certification. Your military and off-duty efforts can provide the experience.

I invite you to add your suggestions and experiences about transitioning and finding a new career.

Military personnel’s risk for identify theft is higher than the general public, because, historically, their social security numbers are used as personal identifiers. The Department of Defense has recognized this vulnerability and is taking steps to minimize the threat.

Identity theft doesn’t only affect those stationed abroad, but any member of our military who is deployed away from home, without access to mail and a credit report.

To help prevent identity theft while deployed, military personnel can follow these six steps:

• Check Your Credit Profile: Before you leave for deployment, obtain a copy of your credit report from one (or all three) of the major credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. This will enable you to assess your current credit and resolve any inconsistencies or errors before you leave.

• Create an “Active Duty Alert”:    Contact all three of the major credit bureaus and place an “active duty alert” on your credit profile. This action will alert the credit bureaus that you will be away for an extended period of time and there should be minimal activity on your account. However, the alert is only valid for one year. If you are deployed longer, you, or your power of attorney, can contact the bureaus to have it extended as long as necessary.

• Opt-Out of Marketing: Opt-out of marketing databases and lists to reduce the number of “pre-approved” credit card offers and other mail that may contain personal information to limit the opportunity for mail theft. To do this, there are two main organizations to contact. First, add your name to the National Do-Not-Call Registry at www.fcc.gov/cgb/donotcall. Second, remove your name from the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service at www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html. Third, opt out of pre-approved credit offers for the next five years by registering at www.optoutprescreen.com or by calling 1-888-567-8688.

• Cancel Convenience Checks: Notify each of your credit card companies individually that you will be leaving for deployment and request that convenience checks not be sent. In addition, see if your credit card companies will switch your accounts to electronic billing. This adjustment will limit sensitive mail and help prevent breaches of important account numbers.

• Secure Your Documents: Be sure to properly protect tax records, birth certificates, social security cards, and other paperwork with sensitive information. The safest place for these documents while you are deployed are in a safety deposit box or a safe, with a relative or family friend outside of the home.

• Entrust a Friend: If you live alone, ask a family member or friend to visit your home regularly and make sure that it is secure. In addition, ask them to check the mail, mow the lawn, walk the perimeter of the property, and stay in the home for a few hours. These practices will help deter burglars who are looking for an empty home or vacant property to raid for valuables and information.

If you do have a breach of sensitive information or suspect that someone has falsified your identity, report it right away. File a statement with the local authorities, contact each individual credit card company, and notify the three credit bureaus immediately. It is important to take action right away to prevent any further damage and begin rectifying the situation.

What Can Be Done?
It is a frightening reality that the personal information of nearly 30 million active and retired service members has been stolen by data thieves in recent years, but, the Department of Defense is taking steps to remove the full social security numbers of soldiers from their identification cards.

Just as the healthcare industry has eradicated use of social security numbers as personal identifiers, the military is looking to do the same. By the end of 2010, all Department of Defense issued identification cards will only feature the last four digits of holder’s social security number. This effort will greatly decrease the ease in which military members identities can be stolen. In the meantime, some military identification cards are being updated using data protection and authentication tools.

For the time being, it is prudent to follow the six steps outlined above and keep a close watch over your credit report while at home. You can take comfort in knowing that you’re taking all possible measures to protect yourself and safeguard your identity.

“VA is committed to making it as easy as possible for veterans to take care of themselves,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “Today, we are adding wellness reminders to this website. In the near future, we’ll be adding other helpful features.”

A new capability now added to the site allows veterans to record their personal information and medical data – including emergency contacts, health care providers and insurance, prescriptions, tests and allergies – in a private, secure Internet environment. Eventually, veterans will be able to receive their medical records from VA online. Another new feature will be a “Learn About” tab, which will lead veterans to a variety of topics in health education.

“My HealtheVet will give veterans easy access to their health information at the same time it protects their privacy,” said Dr. Robert Kolodner, VA’s acting chief health information officer. “The new features will significantly expand the information veterans can record and share with anyone they choose – medical professionals, family members and others.”

Kolodner said My HealtheVet establishes a veteran-clinician partnership that will result in better-informed decision making and move veterans toward more proactive management of their health care.”

“The idea is to make it as easy as possible for veterans to take good care of themselves,” said Kolodner.

VA launched My HealtheVet on Veterans Day 2003.The site is located on the Internet at www.myhealth.va.gov.

Visitors to the site can find in-depth coverage on a variety of topics to include:

· Deployments
· Family Member Benefits
· Spouse and Child Education
· Healthcare
· Volunteering

To better serve our community and add to the usefulness of this resource, new features have been added to improve the site’s functionality:

· Customize the types of information you receive based on topics that interest you
· Opt to receive a variety of e-mail publications that include up-to-date information on diverse subjects specific to your Service, installation, and military families in general
· Manage your membership online

The National Military Family Association is the only national organization whose sole focus is the military family and whose goal is to influence the development and implementation of policies that will improve the lives of those family members. The Association’s mission is to serve the families of the seven uniformed services through education, information and advocacy. For more than 35 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised of military family members, have built a reputation for being the leading experts on military family issues.