WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and corporate America are working together to provide veterans with the skills they’ll need to rejoin the civilian workforce, enhancing the Department’s traditional programs that help transitioning service members.
Two important programs available from VA and partnering organizations are the focus of the May edition of “The American Veteran,” VA’s monthly half-hour news magazine.
“With their skills, work ethic and ability to deal with people, veterans have been a powerhouse in the work-place,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “These stories spotlight the determination of veterans to succeed in the business world and the tools offered by VA and our partners in the business world.”
The top story highlights the partnership between VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise and Little Caesar’s Pizza, which provides money and the training to help veterans own and operate a franchise.
A second feature looks at a program that helps veterans who qualify for vocational rehabilitation to gain valuable work skills through non-paid work experience.
In another story, “The American Veteran” visits the Miami VA Prosthetic center where technology and teamwork combine to create prosthetics and a lifetime of support to our veterans.
The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to community cable outlets.
Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there, reminding veterans of the bond of service they share.
The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site, www.va.gov. Just click on “Public Affairs” and then “Featured Items.”
“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at ** http://www.pentagonchannel.mil **. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.)
Additional stories on the May edition of “The American Veteran” include:
Cheerios Box Champion -- Meet David Fowler, an athlete, gold medal winner, Cheerios Box Champion and a paralyzed veteran who runs the Texas chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Updated edition of the ‘Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” handbook provides information on health care services, education benefits, the home loan guaranty program, life insurance, disability compensation and more.
New, non-invasive technology looks at brain cell communication patterns that may provide clues to Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and other neurological diseases.
VA announces plans to open 23 new Vet Centers in the next two years.
VA’s mobile pharmacies are prepared for emergencies across the country.
For information about “The American Veteran” program and how to obtain it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461-7502.
