Hurricane Sandy caused untold destruction and chaos up and down the east coast last week, and as we now know, it was poised to hit New York City and New Jersey with special ferocity.

But as the storm gathered strength in the Atlantic last weekend, officials within the New York Harbor Health Care System and the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 3 leadership team made a crucial decision: get the patients out of the Manhattan flood zone before the storms reached the city.  The VISN worked with leadership on the ground to quickly and safely coordinate the transfer of all patients and staff to other hospitals in the network.

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On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Veteran unemployment data for the month of October. The unemployment rate for all Veterans was 6.3 percent—well below the national average of 7.9 percent.  For post-9/11 veterans, the rate was 10 percent.  While there is more work to do, it is very clear that the unemployment rate among all Veterans—to include America’s newest Veterans—is headed in the right direction. The charts below help us see why.

In the first, we see the monthly unemployment rate for all Veterans since January 2010.  The trend over nearly three years is clearly downward.

Because chunks of data are often better indicators of real movement, another way to view the trend is by looking at the moving (or rolling) average. Like the chart above, the chart immediately below captures 12-month averages for the periods ending each month since January 2010. What it shows is a modest—but definitive—decline in the unemployment rate of Veterans.  The current 12-month average unemployment rate for Veterans is 7.2 percent—and this is the lowest figure we’ve seen during this administration. In fact, the 12-month moving average has fallen for six straight months—and it hasn’t risen from one month to the next in nearly a year and a half.

This is significant because the moving 12-month average is a far more conservative measure than the month-to-month data. When we see movement in the rolling average, we can be confident that the unemployment rate among post-9/11 Veterans is, indeed, changing—which it is.

Post-9/11 Veterans are also continuing to experience a downward trend in unemployment.  For Iraq and Afghanistan-era Veterans (or Gulf War II-era Veterans), the monthly unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 10 percent in October. However, the chart below demonstrates the declining unemployment rate over time.  Because the month-to-month figures for this demographic are highly volatile, the longer term trend is a more reliable measure that continues to show a consistent decline over nearly three years. This is the strongest sign yet of recovery in the area of Veteran employment following the worst economic recession since The Great Depression.

As expected, the falling unemployment rate among post-9/11 Veterans is reflected in the 12-month moving average. As we can see below, the rate has consistently fallen—modestly but definitively— throughout 2012. The rate over the past 12 months has now fallen to 10.2 percent—the lowest average unemployment rate during this administration.

While all the numbers above are encouraging, we know our work isn’t done—and that there’s still much to do. In this economy, too many Veterans still can’t find meaningful work, and we’re working every day to remedy that.

That’s why VA is collaborating with the White House and the Chamber of Commerce on hiring fairs across the country through the “Hiring Our Heroes” Program. It’s also why we’re urging Veterans to prepare themselves for the job market by taking advantage of programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Veterans Retraining and Assistance Program (VRAP).

If anything, today’s figure reminds us that there’s still much work to be done. VA, in conjunction with the White House, remains committed to ensuring that the unemployment rate for all Veterans continues its downward path.

When most of my Army buddies ask about their VA health care eligibility, it’s mostly because they have no idea where to begin. The VA system may look too big or daunting to tackle. But it’s a relatively easy process to start.

The easiest way to determine eligibility is to simply submit an application, which can be done online. If you’d rather do it in person or by phone, you can visit the nearest VA medical facility, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) during business hours. A representative will fill out the form and have it sent to you for a review and signature. Each process is outlined here.

There are always questions surrounding eligibility, and many assumptions are tossed around. Some Vets may think you have to be injured in a war zone to receive care, or that you can only receive medical attention for issues that already carry a disability rating. I addressed those inaccuracies in the past—along with other myths—but it’s good to keep them handy and pass along to fellow Vets to set the record straight.

As you probably know, Hurricane Sandy (or Frankenstorm) is barreling across the Atlantic Ocean and heading straight toward the east coast. Like in the case of all extreme weather, some VA operations on the coast may change, depending on your location.

If you live in an area under the threat of storm damage and have pending VA appointments, be sure to contact your VA facility to ask about their operational schedule. Some appointments may be rescheduled or canceled, and some facilities may be closed entirely until it’s safe to resume normal duties.

You can also follow your local facilities on Facebook and Twitter for updates on closures and appointment cancellations.

This is a good time for hurricane preparedness if you haven’t started already. The National Weather Service and FEMA both have helpful tips, along with a collection of additional resources.

If you’re in an affected area, keep tabs on the storm here.

Above all, be safe, and make sure your family does the same.

Photo courtesy discovery.com

Earlier this month, the US Chamber of Commerce held its 300^th Hiring Our Heroes job fair, leading to 10,400 jobs for Veterans and spouses. And they’re just getting started.

Below you’ll find a list of hiring events from November 1 through November 29 in 400 communities. If you’re looking to attend one of the fairs, double check to make sure the date hasn’t changed since being posted. Each event should have a link to more information on the time and location, as well as registration information.

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This week’s roundup of Veteran news and resources:

• We often mention the Veterans Crisis Line and how it has saved lives, but this video really drives home the enormous effort from dedicated folks to staff the calls day and night. And as always, the Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, online through chat, and now by text at 838255.
• Sometime soon, the 20 millionth VA-backed home loan will be processed. Veterans have received loans for no down payment for decades. Check out the program if you’re looking to buy or refinance.
• There was a great segment on Sunday’s 60 Minutes on Veterans Treatment Courts, which help connect Vets in trouble with the law with VA resources and support. Check out the segment and more about the courts here.
• The US Chamber of Commerce has been holding Hire Our Heroes hiring fairs for months, and there are still plenty to come. Check out the national events through October, as well as the rest of the year here.
• Army Command Sergeant Major Basil Plumley, a Veteran of three wars who was immortalized by Sam Elliot in We Were Soldiers, died last week at the age of 92. He was a towering figure not just for the Vietnam generation, but all who have served. He led a truly remarkable life.

When President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill into law in 1944, he also approved provisions to begin low interest loans to Veterans looking to purchase their own homes, along with farming and business inventory. Soon, VA will guarantee its 20 millionth home loan, and the program is stronger than ever.

It’s not too hard to sell Veterans on the idea of a VA-backed home loan. As the only major loan type that doesn’t require a down payment, it also allows refinancing on existing loans, which was attractive to many Vets last year. Those who refinanced saved an average of $202 in 2012—a total of $300 million in savings.

Even in an unpredictable housing market, Veterans are finding their way to VA-backed loans. As the New York Times reports, VA-guaranty loans surged this past fiscal year:

Mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs surged by 50 percent in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, as tighter credit standards on conventional financing made these programs all the more attractive to current and former military members.

The department guaranteed almost 540,000 loans in fiscal year 2012, the most since 1994[…]

Since the loans are backed by the federal government, there’s no need for mortgage insurance, which can help Vets save even more. And if you’re a Veteran receiving disability payments, the funding fee, usually about three percent of the loan, is exempt.

Brandon Friedman, a Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, bought a house in the Washington, DC area a few years ago using a VA-backed loan, and his exemption from a funding fee saved him around $10,000.

“VA’s home loan program is one of the best benefits the government provides for Veterans, especially disabled Veterans,” he said. “It’d be great if more Vets knew about it.”

Check out our home loan resource page for more information, our frequently asked questions guide, and our eligibility page for more information. Andif you have any additional questions about the program, the Veterans Benefits Administration will be holding a live Twitter Town Hall tomorrow, October  18 at 3:30 PM EST. Follow @VAVetBenefits and use the hashtag #AskVA to ask your home loan question.

It is often said that coming home from war can be more difficult than the war itself. While deployments are measured in months or years, reintegration is a lifelong event, often away from the battle buddies that watched their back. The pressure can be too great for some Veterans—and may lead to first time run-ins with the law.

That’s why Veterans Treatment Courts, tailored for Vets with first time felonies, have popped up all around the country. Judges offer leniency in exchange of a treatment plan, usually fulfilled at a VA facility.

The courts were highlighted in a recent segment on 60 Minutes, which traced the rise, fall, and rebirth of a Marine Veteran who found himself facing the justice system after a combat tour. The piece also delves into the story behind the bench, and how the treatment program is a tougher yet more promising option for Vets.

The system works for another Marine featured; he avoids jail by graduating from the program and is on his way toward another graduation—this time from college.

Throughout the year, the US Chamber of Commerce has hosted dozens of hiring events for Veterans across the country in an effort to drive down Veteran unemployment and help Vets find meaningful jobs.

Below, you’ll find a list of hiring events located throughout the country from October 13 through October 31, 2012. Double-check before heading off to the event because the date may be subject to change. Click on the state to find out when and where the event is being held. If you don’t see your state listed, don’t worry! We’ll put together a new list of hiring fairs for the month of October in a few weeks—so be sure to check back. You can also see a complete list of this year’s hiring events here.

October 16, 2012 – Bedford, MA

October 18, 2012 – Pittsburgh, PA

October 18, 2012 – Middleton, MA

October 18, 2012 – Glendale, AZ

October 23, 2012 – MacDill AFB, FL – Military Spouse Event

October 23, 2012 – Fort Riley, KS

October 23, 2012 – Bossier City, LA

October 23, 2012 – Louisville, KY

October 24, 2012 – Flemington, NJ

October 25, 2012 – Fort Collins, CO

October 25, 2012 – Greenwood, SC

October 25, 2012 – Atlanta, GA

October 30, 2012 – West Haven, CT

October 31, 2012 – Concord, CA

It’s often said that everyone comes back from war changed, even if you have no injuries. But thanks to advances in battlefield medicine and surgical procedures, troops are surviving their wounds at a higher rate than ever before. That means folks are coming home changed in ways never seen in history.

That’s why VA created a number of rehabilitative programs to help disabled Veterans get out of the house and get active. Every year, VA holds events like the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, the Winter Sports Clinic, the Wheelchair Games, the Creative Arts Festival, the TEE Tournament, and the Golden Age Games where Veterans gather from all over the country to compete in adaptive sports. Veterans typically report better health and a better quality of life when they join in, and the camaraderie they find doesn’t hurt, either.

VA’s National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events Office is the first place to go if you’re looking to join fellow Vets in competition. Their site has information on how to connect with community-based programs to get you in the game, as well as more information on the national events. And there are grants available for folks looking to begin or expand opportunities for disabled Veterans to participate in physical activity in their communities.

One of the most impactful things we can do is help disabled Veterans find their way after they come home, so if you’re looking to get back out there, learn more about the benefits adaptive sports programs and get started.