Bulletin 24 – 19 (01 October, 2024 Edition)
Top News Stories:
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The PACT Act and your VA benefits
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. And starting March 5, 2024, we’re expanding VA health care to millions of Veterans—years earlier than called for by the PACT Act.
This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.
Substitute House Bill No. 5491
Public Act No. 24-46
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):
2024 VA Disability Payment Schedule
Armed Forces Vacation Club AFVC
Military Vacations for Families from Armed Forces Vacation Club | Login (afvclub.com)
Membership is free; Become a member
Welcome to Armed Forces Vacation Club – a free membership travel club for all active, retired and veteran military members. We believe that our military members and veterans deserve the best – that’s why a membership with Armed Forces Vacation Club provides a one-stop shop for all your vacation needs with exclusive discounts on resorts, hotels and so much more.
Army Connecticut Veterans Bulletin
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
| Ms. Susan Tobenkin, LCSW Behavioral Health Specialist (860) 830-8991 susan.e.tobenkin.civ@army.mil |
Mr. Michael Dutko, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor (860) 946-9810 michael.t.dutko.civ@army.mil |
Mr. Peter Doria, LCSW Behavioral Health Specialist (860) 655-0296 peter.e.doria.civ@army.mil |
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
The newest edition of the Connecticut Guardian is now available online at: https://ct.ng.mil/Portals/61/Documents/Connecticut%20Guardian/2024/CG_2024_04.pdf?ver=wr26v8qI9UHcbBwoYOl2Hg%3d%3d
CT JEEP 500
** 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 6th 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
