Currently, women make up a larger percentage of the active force, are serving in all branches of the military, and are eligible for assignment in most military occupational specialties except for direct combat roles. The number of women serving in the military has increased and has significantly impacted the services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Projections show that women now comprise a higher percentage of the veteran population, and these numbers will most likely increase as time goes by. The biggest concern for most women veterans is the lack of women in counseling positions who are available to address their concerns and fears. The most frequently asked questions from women veterans, along with the answers, can now be found on the Center for Women Veterans website www1.va.gov/womenvet/. These 25 questions are the ones we hear most often, said the Director of the Center for Women Veterans. Too many women veterans don't know they are eligible for the full range of VA benefits and too many are unaware of special programs designed just for them. BENEFITS & SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERANS As a woman veteran, you may be entitled to one or more of the following benefits.Sexual Trauma and Assault Counseling Disability Compensation for service related disabilities Disability Pension for non-service related disabilities Education Assistance Programs Work-Study Allowance Vocational Rehabilitation & Counseling Insurance Home Loan Benefits Medical Inpatient and Outpatient care Substance Abuse treatment and counseling Nursing Home care Burial Benefits Burial in a VA National Cemetery Employment AssistanceSurvivors' Benefit ProgramsFor more information on the above, please contact the Grand Junction V.A. Medical Center at 970-242-0731. Editors Note: This article was submitted by the Colorado state veterans Home in Rifle. They can be reached at 970-625-0842

During World War II, the United States Merchant Marines and their ships lent their support by delivering cargo and providing logistical assistance while their ships were under enemy attacks. The Mariners also transported innumerable loads of wounded American Marines to off-shore hospital ships. Thousands of Merchant Marines died in assaults during the war, but they were never recognized as Veterans until 1988, almost forty-five years after their service in World War II. Increased awareness amongst Americans had been a very long and slow process, especially after World War II when the Merchant Marines were not considered Veterans. Thousands of hours were spent and thousands of letters were written to Congressmen and Senators, seeking fairness and just compensation for these World War II heroes. Magazine, newspaper articles and books were published and there was public radio and television coverage that increased awareness around the nation. Over $2 million was spent on these efforts through the years, and eventually they paid off for the American Merchant Marines.The AMMV (American Merchant Marine Veterans) organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011 and continues to be an influential group for Merchant Marine Veterans who served in war zones during World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf War and other conflicts where Mariners went into harms way. To this day, efforts continue toward educating the public, and in the true spirit of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, they must continue to expand their reach. There are still many Americans who do not understand what an integral part the AMMV have played during war and peace times.Editors Note: This article was submitted by The Colorado State Veterans Home in Rifle. Lisa Adams, Marketing and Jessica Strong, Admissions, can be reached at the Colorado State Veterans Home in Rifle 800-828-4580 or by email Jessica.strong@state.co.us lisa.adams@state.co.us.

Thinking about long-term care placement is never easy. The move into an assisted living facility or nursing home almost always means a loss of at least some independence, and for many people the cost can seem overwhelming.For veterans with a documented service-connected disability of 70 percent or greater, financial assistance may be available to cover the entire cost of long-term care. The key to accessing this Veterans Administration benefit is finding a VA contract nursing home or state veterans nursing home in your area. Some privately or corporate owned nursing homes have obtained contracts with the Veterans Administration to provide long-term skilled nursing care to these service connected disabled veterans, which is paid entirely by the VA. State veterans nursing homes, too, are able to provide the same service.For veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 70 percent who need long-term care specifically because of their service-connected disability, the same benefit may apply. In these instances, detailed medical records documenting the need for long-term care is directly related to the veterans service-connected disability is absolutely necessary prior to admission into a state veterans or VA contract nursing home.Veterans wanting more information about VA benefits for long-term care, or finding the nearest state veterans nursing home or VA contract nursing home should contact the Veterans Service Officer for the county where they reside. Typically, this information can be located in the county government section of the phone book. For qualifying service-connected disabled veterans, this VA benefit eliminates the financial concerns frequently associated with long-term care.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lisa Seley of the Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home. For further information, they can be reached at 719-784-6331