Ok- here we go! Arrived in Louisville, KY yesterday for the 91st American Legion convention. Being from Colorado, I'm not used to all this humidity. We're normally somewhere around 9%; when it recently hit into 30% humidity it was VERY noticible. Here in KY, at 70% plus, it can feel sweltering. Legionaires are trickling in, and committees are getting set up. Since we've not recently 'live blogged' from an event, I'm going to be updating this post as we go along. Each day will have a post that's added to as events are happening. At this particular moment, I'm in the Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation committee, listening to several presentations (below) regarding helping the wounded vets. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about what's available, and who/what can help ALL vets, not just Legionaires. If you have anything you want covered, add to the comments! Spread the word- Blackfive is in da house... Rebuilding Together Project: Vanessa Georgeson was the first interview I did today. She was here to detail what her program was about- which is re-building and modifying homes for veterans. Rebuilding Together is not just about veteran's homes, but it has a new focus and program that concentrates SOLEY on helping veterans. Their program, which can be described as similar to Habitat for Humanity, helps veterans that need financial and physical assistance in adapting their homes to better allow them to get around. As Vanessa described it, from simply putting in a grab-bar in a shower or bathroom, to whole-house remodels for severely handicapped vets, Rebuilding Together can assist with it all. Veterans from any conflitct, whether WWII to GWOT, are eligible if they meet the low-income requirements. They assist those primarily in the low-income ranges who would not otherwise qualify for assistance. Of note is that TBI injuries are a covered disability- some programs don't cover this. WIDOWS of veterans qualify, and what is interesting is that HOME REPAIRS can also qualify for their assistance. Low-income widows that need help with repairs to their home can contact them for help. Homes must be owner-occupied (no rentals) but that extends to veterans living with family. A fantastic program. Veterans of Valor: Next up was Klay South, from Veterans of Valor. This is a group that is serving severely injured troops with 3 distinct programs: Providing backpacks with materials to them when they are medevac'd; trips to Dave and Busters for those who are in long-term rehab in DC and Texas; and establishing a PTSD retreat in Texas for those undergoing therapy. Klay was a Marine who was shot in the face in the Golan district of Fallujah in November of '04. He and his mother, Janet, work hard to provide for our injured brothers and sisters. Much, Much more to come today. Its only 9:30 here! Wolf
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Posted
Aug 20 2009, 11:55 PM
by
BLACKFIVE