Bulletin 24 – 13  (01 July 2024 Edition)

John J. McLain

John Joseph McLain “Sarge,” 64, of Tolland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 20, 1960, in Syracuse, NY, John was the beloved son of the late Roy W. and Anna Ida (Spina) McLain. Growing up in a military family, John had the unique experience of living worldwide, including New York, Alabama, California, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Malta, England, Finland, and Germany. John proudly served our country with the U.S. Army National Guard Aviation Unit. He dedicated 29 years of his career to the Connecticut Department of Corrections as a correctional officer and sniper on the Special Operations Team, retiring in 2022. John was also a Crew chief/Flight Engineer.

John McLain Obituary – (1960-2024) (courant.com)

How did over 100 military gravestones end up at a house in Hawaii?

A homeowner discovered gravestones from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in her yard, but how they got there is a mystery.

By Ben Angarone, Honolulu Civil Beat

5 days ago

These three Iowa Guardsmen aren’t just squadmates — they’re siblings

The Juan-Medina siblings are serving together in the same squad in the Iowa National Guard.

By Jonathan Lehrfeld

New Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

New Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans – Connecticut Senate Democrats

There are many things that the Connecticut General Assembly has done over the years to honor our military veterans, from tuition waivers at state universities to holding on to your job in state or local government if you’re deployed. Now, as of a few weeks ago, you can add one more benefit: no more property tax payments for fully disabled veterans.

On May 7, the state Senate gave final and unanimous approval to a new state law that creates a new property tax exemption for veterans who have a permanent and total disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Substitute House Bill No. 5491
Public Act No. 24-46
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS WHO HAVE A SERVICE-CONNECTED PERMANENT AND TOTAL DISABILITY RATING.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 12-81 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes is amended by adding subdivision (83) as follows (Effective October 1, 2024, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2024):

Property Tax Bill 2024 : DOWNLOAD TAX BILL HERE

 

 

Friday August 30, 2024 at Stanley Golf Course New Britain, CT

Cost: $170 per person

Format: Four (4) Person Scramble

Dinner only option: $45

NGACT GOLF 2024

CONNECTICUT VETERANS BULLETIN – Page 2 – Information by Connecticut Veterans for Connecticut Veterans. (ctvetsbulletin.org)

v1-cvbs-weekly-connecticut-veterans-calendar-publication-saturday-16-march-2024-1.pdf (menlosecurity.com)

Behavioral Health Resources:

Connecticut National Guard > Resources > Behavioral Health (ng.mil)

In crisis? Need help? Call 1 (800) 273-8255 and press 1

Contact a Connecticut National Guard Specialist

I am a Retiree/Veteran:

Check out these resources

America the Beautiful Passes

Armed Forces Recreation Centers/Hotels & Resorts

American Forces Travel Program

Survivor Benefits Newsletter and Link

DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter Fall2023

Download entire newsletter HERE:

DFAS Retiree Newsletter & Benefits News + Link

Still most recent edition

Download entire newsletter HERE: DFAS Retiree Newsletter December 2023  – Still most recent edition

Free tax return preparation for Veterans, military members, and their families!

Free tax return preparation for Veterans, military members and their families – VA News

Connecticut Guardian

   

** Gov. Ned Lamont announced a new initiative to encourage state residents to join the Connecticut National Guard.

DOWNLOAD JEEP FLYER HERE:  JEEP Flyer

The Connecticut Military Department’s Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (CT JEEP 500). Each CTNG Guard Member (except for those members (and their relatives) who are assigned/attached to the 6^th Recruiting and Retention Battalion), CTNG Retiree and CT Militia Member is eligible to become a Recruiting Assistant (RA). An RA who enrolls a lead in CT JEEP 500 will receive an allowance of $1,000 for each lead who enlists in the CTNG. Leads enlisting into a priority vacancy received additional $500.

Army Echoes Now Available

Current edition: https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Documents/echoes/latest.pdf

Army Echoes is the Army’s official newsletter for Retired Soldiers and surviving spouses. This month’s featured articles include:

• The Army Chief of Staff Retired Soldier Council’s historic meeting
• Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season Update
• The VA disability rating and its full arsenal of benefits
• Gray Area Retired Soldier and ready for retired pay?
• Managing your retired pay allotments
• Use your military benefits for a great vacation
• Take advantage of your FEDVIP enrollment period

To contact the Army Echoes editor, send an email to ArmyEchoes@army.mil.

US Military Recreation Facilities (Excerpted from the “Stephanie at Poppin’ Smoke” newsletter) If you want a fun vacation that won’t break the bank, don’t forget that you can use your benefits to stay in military recreational lodging. Here are 17 ideas to get you started with your planning.

2024 Calendar of Events

The National Guard Association of CT State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

• Up to $1,000,000 coverage available*
• Members covered in combat
• Covered 24/365
• Most valid claims paid within 24 to 48 hours of receipt of proof of loss
• All military occupations covered
• Spouse and Children coverage available
• Coverage does not end and rates DO NOT go up just because you separate from the National Guard
• SSLI can be payroll deducted from drill check or AGR payroll
• All SSLI group plans cover members while serving in the Connecticut National Guard including deployment

For coverage details including eligibility, benefits, rates, exclusions, limitations and renewal provisions please contact the plan administrator tollfree at 800-633-8333.

National Guard Association of Connecticut State Sponsored Life Insurance is provided under group life insurance policies issued to the Militia Insurance Trust (MIT). The

Guardian group life policy and the Uniformed Services Benefit Association (USBA) 10, 15 and 20 year level term life policies are underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company.

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE: SSLI FLYER

Honor Flight Connecticut

A Hub of the National Honor Flight Network

Honor Flight CT recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, DC to see THEIR memorials at no cost. Current priority is chronological by conflict (WWII, Korea and Vietnam) with special consideration given to terminally ill veterans from all wars. Guardians fly with the veterans on every flight providing assistance and helping veterans have a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.

Please note: Veterans are only eligible once for the Honor Flight experience.

Your information MUST be exactly as it appears on your ID For Airline Travel (License, Passport, Govt ID):

DOWNLOAD THE HONOR FLIGHT APPLICATION HERE:Honor Flight – HFCT Vet App

Please submit this form to:

Honor Flight Connecticut

c/o Amy Casey

26 Copperstone Lane

Madison, CT 06443