Ottawa County Veterans Service Commission, Oak Harbor, Ohio

On the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, the President of the Republic of Korea would like to thank all Korean War Veterans for their achievements. He would like to do so by sending a Letter of Appreciation. Please contact the Ottawa County Veterans Service Office for further details, (419)898-2089 or click here to be redirected to the Letter of Appreciation website.

In November 2009, the voters of the State of Ohio passed legislation to approve a War Bonus for Persian Gulf, Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF) veterans. Please contact the Ottawa County Veterans Service Office for further details, (419)898-2089.

All federal benefits will be changing over to electronic deposit by March 1, 2013. Beginning May 1, 2011, anyone receiving federal benefits for the first time will automatically receive through electronic payment. For more information click here. To update the way you receive your VA benefits, please contact the Ottawa County Veterans Service Office at (419)898-2089.

The Department of Defense announced the launch of an interactive simulation designed to help those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Click here to read the press release.

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services released how the Ohio Veterans Homes ranked in satisfaction. Click here to read press release.

An advisory from the National Guard Bureau (NGB) was issued regarding the Veterans Affairs Services (VAS). Click here to read the advisory.

The Department of Defense has launched an online career transition training for service members. Click here for more information.

A portion of State Route 105 and State Route 163 in Oak Harbor has been dedicated as Army Sgt Keith Kline Memorial Highway. Click here for further information.

The VA launched personalized health benefits handbooks to be issued to all 8.5 million veterans who are enrolled in the healthcare system. Click here for the press release and additional information.

Ohio War Bonus distribution update.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding their medical forms program to support faster claims processing. They are adding 68 new forms in an effort to speed up the processing of disability compensation and pension claims.

Governor Kasich signed a Bill naming March 30th as Vietnam Veterans' Day in Ohio. Click here to see event photos.

Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as a teacher. Click here for more information on Troops to Teachers.

Ohio Attorney General Issues Arrest Warrant UPDATE as of May 9, 2012

DFAS says beware of scam emails that appear to be sent from DFAS employees. Click here for more information on these scam emails.

The VA has announced an extension of the period for Gulf War veterans to file for disability benefits for five years, to December 31, 2016.

The Final Salute Inc. is an non-profit organization that provides important resources to make a positive impact on homeless female veterans who need safe and suitable housing. The oganization is looking for a single female veteran with children, in the Columbus area to make a donation to. For more information, click here.

Terra Community College and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) are partnering to provide education for veterans families on the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, acute stress or any other brain disorder. For more information on meeting dates and times, click here.

Due to a backlog of claims, veterans utilizing their Post 9/11 GI Bill are not receiving their benefits. Ohio Governor Kasich and Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Colonel Moe have issued statements asking Ohio's colleges and universities to show flexibility with its veteran population. You can view their statements here.

On August 6, 2012, President Obama signed into legislation "The Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012". The Act provides for treatment of service members and their families who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as well as other provisions relating to privacy at military funerals, state care of veterans who are 70% service connected or greater, veteran sexual assault prevention and a pilot program for veterans with PTSD.

The Ohio Veterans Bonus has tentatively issued a deadline to file for service in Iraq, the deadline date will be December 31, 2014.

President Obama signed into law a 1.7% cost of living adjustment for veterans benefits effective December 1, 2012 and should first appear in January payments.

As a tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services is requesting photos of Ohio veterans who served our nation during this time period. The photos will be used as part of a collage during the "Welcome Home" celebration in that is being held to honor our Vietnam Veterans.

The following organizations have contacted us indicating that they are preparing and/or filing tax refunds: KeyBank and United Way.

Great Scot and Community Markets are offering a 5% discount everyday to veterans. To get your veteran discount card, you must complete the attached military discount form and submit to your local store.

A good deal of information has appeared in the media the past few days concerning the suspension of tuition assistance in the military. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services wants to make everyone in our Ohio Veterans Community aware of some important facts about this suspension.

Stein Hospice is sponsoring a viewing of the movie Honor Flight at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, Ohio. Honor Flight is a documentary about four living World War II veterans.

The Catch a Lift Fund, was started to assist wounded post 9-11 veterans start and maintain their healing process through physical fitness.

Jobs in the emerging shale oil and gas industry are a natural fit for many veterans. Don't miss out on a special training and employment fair for oil and gas jobs, to be held in Youngstown, Ohio on Monday, April 29, 2013. For information on this job fair, please click here.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the Class of 2013. Nomination packets must be submitted by June 30, 2013. For more information on necessary documentation and guidelines, please visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website.

The Ohio Military Hall of Fame Class of 2013 induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2013. The ceremony will be held at Statehouse Atrium beginning at 11:30 a.m. Please visit the Ohio Military Hall of Fame website.

Join the 2K Walk & Roll to benefit homeless veterans and promote health & wellness at the VA 2K Health and Safety Fair on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the Sandusky VA Clinic.

The Ohio Women Veterans Conference is coming to the Aladdin Shrine in Columbus on Saturday, September 28, 2013. For further details please see this YouTube video.

There are grants available through the US Labor Department to provide job training, employment services for 1,900 homeless female veterans, veterans with families. For the direct link to apply, visit Grants.gov.

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