REVEILLE

Ed Hatch submitted this link for us all to view. No words, none needed..... Take a few minutes and look at this.


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!!

Links of Interest

Please take a look at the right side of the blog. Here you will find links of interest. There is something for everyone. If you know of a good link for Veterans or their families post it here. If you can not, just send it to me and I will post it.

Thanks

SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!!

The National Resource Directory

Taken from the NRD website:

The National Resource Directory is an online tool for injured and ill Service Members, Veterans, and their families. The NRD provides access to more than 11,000 services and resources.

There are so many resources on the web today that it is a shame that there are still Veterans that do not know what they are entitled to. Please spread the word.


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!!

America's Marines - Extended Version

This was sent to our committee by USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike McCann, Middleburg FL.

This is well worth checking out.


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!!

Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines

Young Marines is a drug and gang prevention organization. We strive to teach kids about keeping a drug free life style and being a good citizen in their community.
Slide show of pictures from our past events.

The American Veteran

This link is a news reel type site created by the VA....

The American Veteran tells stories of service and sacrifice made by America's men and women in uniform and discusses some of the benefits they have earned.

Check this out, it is worth the time


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

American Heroes Return

The following was taken from the American Heroes Return website. This appears to be a great program, one that all Veterans should know about.

...American Heroes Return was initiated to address the needs of Active Duty Military members and Veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life...

SGM (R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

Honoring Those Who Serve

Veteran's Day at the Shenandoah County Fair "September 2nd 2009" is to honor and recognize the contributions of the men and women, past and present who have service in the United States Military. Exhibits, demonstrations, Rolling Thunder's big noisy bikes, tee shirts, Fort Lee Dixieland Band. Lots of fun for veterans and active duty alike!

Advanced sale discount tickets for veterans and active duty personnel are available for $3. Visit 7Bends.com office or First Bank both in Strasburg, the Strasburg Barber Shop or the American Legion Post 199 in Woodstock. Tickets are also available at the fair office Monday - Friday. Call 540-459-7300 for more ticket info.

At the gate admission price on Sept. 2nd is discounted until 4 PM so buying your admission tickets in advance keeps the price at $3 for the whole day and night too. This discount applies to veterans and active duty personnel.

Have you lost your DD214?

If you have lost your DD214 you can now request a replacement copy online.


Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military and medical records several ways:

Follow the directions on the following link to request a FREE copy of your DD214.

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

Post 9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You should complete and submit the application form available online and will receive a letter explaining VA’s decision regarding your eligibility for the program.
The application form requires that individuals currently eligible for benefits under the Montgomery GI BILL-Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) make an irrevocable election from their existing program to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

For more information about this visit the VA website at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

Keep up with Military Retiree information

Have you lost touch with what is going on with the Branch of Service that you served? Check out the retiree newsletters, these newsletters provide benefit updates and other information that Military Retirees, Spouses, and Family members would find useful.

Army Echoes: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/retire

Navy Shift Colors: http://www.npc.navy.mil/referencelibrary/publications

Marine Corps Semper Fi: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/ then click on "Semper Fidelis Online" under "News and Features"

Airforce Afterburner: http://www.retirees.af.mil/afterburner

Coast Guard Evening Colors: http:www.uscg.mil/ppc/retnews


Enjoy
SGM (R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

VA accepting priority group 8 begining Jul 09

The following was taken from "Echoes" the U.S. Army's bulletin for Retired Soldier's, Surviving Spouses and Families...


In order to ensure the availability of quality and timely health care to veterans with service connected conditions, special authority based on military service, low income, and those with special health care needs, in January 2003 VA made the difficult decision to stop enrolling new Priority Group 8 (high income) veterans whose income exceeded VA income thresholds. The new regulations take effect on June 15, 2009 and enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to relax income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. While this new provision does not remove consideration of income, it does increase income thresholds. You may be eligible for enrollment under this new provision.
For more information go to http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/PG8Relaxation.asp

If you have been previously told you do not qualify for VA medical benefits, check this out....

SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

U.S. Army's Golden Knights want to meet you!

Join us Sept. 4th

More exciting news to add to the day the Shenandoah County Fair Association sets aside to honor the contribution to the freedoms we are afforded...The U.S. Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team will join us just before the America concert.

Plan to join us to meet this highly professional team of soilders. Remember all on Sept 2nd Active Duty and Veterans of the U.S. Military may purchase discounted gate admission tickets for only $3. To get your advanced tickets at the Strasburg Barber Shop, or 7Bends.com both in the 200 block of West King Street, Strasburg, VA. Tickets will be good for admission on 9-2-09 only.

Call the ticket office at 540-459-7300 for more information or contact American Legion Post 199 in Woodstock, VA.

Veterans Honorary High School Diploma

Good morning all,

If you are a Veteran of WWII, Korea, or Vietnam and were unable to get a High School diploma you may want to visit this site. You can access the Virginia Department of Education website by clicking on the title of this post or the following link. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/adulted/veterans/index.shtml

The request form is on the VDOE's website and a link is at the end of this post. Please read and pass on. Thanks

SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!

Veterans Honorary High School Diplomas recognize the life experiences of veterans who were unable to complete their high school education because of service in the armed forces during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Since the first honorary diplomas were issued in 2001, more than 1,000 have been awarded to veterans of the three wars. To obtain an honorary diploma, a veteran may submit a statement to the Virginia Department of Education describing his or her service, the location of the last school attended, and affirming that he or she was unable to complete high school upon return to civilian life. The guidelines also allow for the submission of information by family members and veterans’ organizations.
Veterans and others may request diplomas by using the Request for Veterans Honorary High School Diploma form. (.doc)

** ARCHIVE** for 2008 Fair blog entries

If you are trying to locate "Veteran's Day at the 2008 Shenandoah County Fair" blog entries they have been moved here. Follow this link and you will be able to view all of the entries. We will move the 2008 radio spots once I figure it out.

Keeping them on the 2009 page was getting confusing for readers. Have a great day!


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air Cav!!

Captain Stiles Reminds Us to Remember

Every evening at sunset in Siesta Key, a crowd gathers to honor our veterans.

This was provided by Doug Wicks Jr. who lives outside Phoenix AZ and is retired from the US Air Force.


http://www.tbo.com/video/xml/MGB95UT79IF.html

nvdaily.com: Chris Fordney - Mustang pilots fly highest

When Ray Mitchell reported for military flight training in World War II, he was a 21-year-old Iowa farm boy who had never been in an airplane.

One instructor "looked at me like, what are you doing here?" recalled Mitchell, now 88 and a resident of Woodstock.

The instructor took him up for a quick spin -- literally -- and after the low-level maneuver did nothing but make Mitchell smile, he was in the program.

(Read more)

Half Price Tickets Will Go on Sale Soon!

Veterans and active duty personnel will receive discounted admission at the gate on Sept. 2nd until 4 PM. Admission tickets will be sold in advance beginning about May 25th. The price for advance tickets is $3.00 and they are good all day.

Neal Conner will bring various pieces of antique military equipment for all the view and a piece or two to get aboard! Plan to enjoy the day a we celebrate the dedication too freedom that our service members have exhibited so tirelessly.

Introduction

Good Afternoon

I have started posting a lot of information and will continue to so we can get this information out to our county Veterans. With that, Marcy has asked that we introduce ourselves on the blog so here it is.

I am Wayne Sharp, retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 as a Sergeant Major. I served three tours of duty in Iraq (one with the 101st ABN and 2 with the 1st Cav) among other deployments and duty stations. When I made the decision to retire I have spent every moment possible educating myself on Veterans Benefits. Veterans have earned these benefits and I want to ensure every Veteran I come into contact with knows this.

Not only am I here to ensure Veterans have all the information they need about their benefits, I currently volunteer with the Shenandoah County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Woodstock.

Along with Jim Sherry and our Executive Director Sharon Baroncelli among others, we will be present at the Shenandoah County Fair for the Veterans Day activities (as well as volunteers running a booth for the entire fair under the Grandstands). We will have displays and brochures depicting how the American Red Cross supports not only our community but Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel as well.

Not only does the American Red Cross run Blood Mobiles, train life guards, and teach first aid and CPR classes but we provide emergency communication messages, through our Services to the Armed Forces Program, from loved ones back home to Military Members (as well as contractors and DOD Civilians) around the world as well. This is a 24/7 service with a Military Case Worker on call all day every day! This is a free service and is available to you provided by the American Red Cross here in Woodstock.

We also provide Disaster Relief, as well as other Health & Safety classes .

This is only a portion of the services that YOUR American Red Cross Chapter provides. If you want more information about the American Red Cross here in Woodstock please visit our website at:

http://www.shenandoahredcross.org/home/index.php

Or drop by our office located at 103 South Main Street, Woodstock VA
phone 540-459-2913


Take care and have a great day!


SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!

Mobile Service Office Coming to a location near you!

Good Morning

I wanted to get this information out. If you know a Veteran that has questions about their benefits or claims PLEASE get this to them. It does not matter if the Veteran is a member of the DAV, VFW, American Legion or other organization this is for everyone!

Let me say up front that I am not pushing the DAV on you, I just wanted you all to know about this FREE service coming your way NO MATTER WHAT ORGANIZATION YOU BELONG TO.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is bringing a Mobile Service Office with a school trained National Service Officer to a number of locations. They will provide you with counseling and claim filing assistance. They will answer any questions you may have on YOUR benefits EARNED through your service to this country.

When you come out ensure you bring you claim number or SSN; and any other pertinent documentation.

If a Veteran does not have access to this blog, please click on the email icon at the end of this post and send it to them or copy and paste into a word document and print it for them. This is a GREAT service being provided for FREE!

For more information about free DAV services, please call Carroll Saucier, DAV Supervisor at 504-597-1731.

DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATIONS:

26 May 0800-1600; DAV Chapter 45 1721 Third Ave East Big Stone Gap, VA

27 May 0800-1600 Galax-Carroll Library 610 West Stuart Drive Galax VA

28 May 0800-1600 DAV JM Wainwright Chp 291620 South Franklin Street Christianburg

2 June 0800-1600 Golden Corral 120 Costello Drive Winchester

3 June 0800-1600 DAV Harrisonburg Chp 24 VFW Post 632, 450 Waterman Drive Harrisonburg

4 June 0800-1600 DAV Charlottesville Chp 33 American Legion Post 3025 Louisa Rd Shadwell


Please pass this along. You can bet I will be taking advantage of this FREE service. Have a great day.

SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!

Welcome to Shenandoah County Fair 2009

We need your help to reach veterans and active duty US military personnel who would enjoy Veteran's Day at the Shenandoah County Fair. Please contact us to join our efforts to reach veterans from all eras and all branches.

You may email us or just spread the word about the discounted prices and exciting events that will take place on Sept. 2nd. Keep an eye on this site for more information.

shenfair@shentel.net

Veterans Affair Benefits Booklet

Good Morning All

Thought I would make it just a bit easier for you. Here is the link directly to the VAs Benefits Booklet so you do not have to search for it. The title of this post is hot linked and the link is below. Your choice on how you get there, both go to the same spot. Once on this page you can view the book or download it, it is a very small file. There is a ton of information in this little book.

http://www1.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp

v/r

SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!

Veterans Benifits (if you don't ask for them you will not get them)

Good Morning All,

For those who don't know me, I am Sergeant Major (Ret) Wayne Sharp and I want to discuss Veterans Benefits. I am no expert, however I have taken the time to educate myself and can be of help to you if you have questions on your benefits.

This year at the Fair we are expecting to have a great time honoring and educating our Veterans. How are we going to educate the Veterans of Shenandoah County? Well it is simple, we have invited the Veterans Affairs Health Fair and Benefits Team to join us in the tent. It is a different team from last year and we have requested the team to perform specific task this year. We are currently waiting to hear if they can fill our complete request and once I get the word I will post it here then it will be up to you to spread the word throughout the County.

Now, if you would like more information on Veterans Benefits or have questions on benefits you already receive and you do not want to wait until the fair you have two options they follow.

1. You can contact me through the Shenandoah County Red Cross (540-459-2913) tell them you need to speak with me about Veterans Benefits, leave your phone number, they will contact me and we will talk. OR

2. You can visit the Veterans Affairs website. I know, some feel it is a very cumbersome web. If you follow the link provided here it will take you to the benefits page that will give you quick access to benefits in the area of Educational, Compensation and Pension, Vocational Rehabilitation, Home Loans, Survivors Benefits, Life Insurance among others. Also, on the right side of that page you can view plenty of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and benefits fact sheets. To get to this location click on the title of this post, it is hot linked to the VA's benefits page.

That is enough for now. Be sure to join us on 2 Sep 09 starting at 1000 hrs at the fair ground for Veterans Day at the Shenandoah County Fair! Lastly, if you are a Veteran and have ideas about what you would like to take place on 2 Sep contact me (same way as above) or come to the next meeting at the Fair Office on 14 May 1800 hrs.

Welcome Home to ALL our Veterans regardless of the conflict in which you served during and THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS!!

SGM(R) Wayne Sharp
Air CAV!!

American Legion Post 199 to Give Again in 2009

American Legion Post 199 in Woodstock, Virginia will give memento buttons to all veterans and active duty military who attend the fair on Sept. 2ND 2009. These attractive buttons, lodging and meals for the Fort Lee Band and the many hours of time spent coordinating this event are greatly appreciated! Thanks Post 199.

A Bit of military history.

60177 C141

A Bit of military history you might be interested in seeing.C-141 Tail Number 60177 was the last of the 285 C-141's built by Lockheed to leave active service. She flew 100 POWs out of Hanoi on 12 February 1973, some of them tasting freedom for the first time in six years. Each POW put their shot-down date on the face of the oxygen panel during their flight to Clark Air Base in the Philippines.

For her retirement ceremony, some of the POWs she brought home were brought back for the ceremony and one last flight by this gracious lady. Most of them are old men now but their enthusiasm, emotions, and excitement were evident during this flight and retirement ceremony. She was then flown to Dayton, Ohio where she will spend her final days in the Air Force Museum. A very touching video - Be sure to turn on the sound.

Click here!

Army Vet is a CNN.com Hero

Roy Foster shows The Power of One by making his idea into a reality. Service to other veterans makes this man a true hero. Please take the time to view Roy's story.

Click Here!

Veteran's Day at the Fair Committee Wants You! for 2009

Active duty and veterans of all branches of the U.S. Military (as well as anyone wanting to show respect for the contributions the US Armed Forces) are invited to participate in developing plans for this great annual event at the Shenandoah County Fair. We need young members too!


Join us on April 22, 2009 at the fair office at 6 P.M.

Thus far we have applied for the Fort Lee Dixieland Band which was such a hit in 2008and the Army National Guard has requested the Blackhawk Helicopter that was cancelled last year due to inclement weather in Richmond.

Email us if you would like more information. ShenFair@shentel.net