Veteran's and Military Retiree's corner.  As we continue to provide information as we find it and hopefully  a State - by - State listing of Benefits.  It's going to be a tedious search, but will try.  At least a lot of internet sites where you can find information.  I'm interested in finding and presenting veterans and retiree's a resource not as a replacement for all of the great military sites but more of a synopsis by state.  Although most sites talk about the education benefits for veterans with certain caveats, I'm more interested in what a state may provide as an incentive to move to their state and how it will benefit veterans and their families!

Are you approaching 65? - - - FYI

If you are retired military and have Tricare Standard, and have received your Medicare card, there are some important items you may not be aware of. For most make sure you do your own research!  As of 21 October 2007, but always subject to change:

(1) Make sure you take Parts A & B for Medicare.

(2) If you have Tricare Standard, it will automatically transfer (upgrade) to Tricare for Life.  However, you must have part B coverage for this to happen. Why is this important? (A) You may not need to enroll into the Drug prescription plan Part D as Tricare for Life covers most common drugs. Just make sure of this before reaching 65, so you are prepared! (B) Tricare for Life provides 4 ways to get the drugs you need. (C) Tricare for Life also covers your co-payment expenses.

(3) Download current publications @ Tricare Products Online

Military Retirees/Military Veterans

Military veteran: The term "veteran" means a person who served the active military, naval or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. Whereas: Military Retiree: Is any former member of the uniformed services who is entitled, under stature, to retire, retirement or retainer pay. Examples include, but are not limited to spending 20 or more years in the military or permanent retirement by reasons of physical disability. All military retirees are veterans, but not all veterans are military retirees. Military retirees were promised free medical care for themselves and their eligible dependents for life at Military Treatment facilities. It has been said that Retirees can also get medical from the VA, however not their dependents. My personal experience has indicated that the Victoria VA clinic does not provide any medical for Military retirees, unless they have service connected injuries.

All Veterans are Potentially Eligible

• Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based solely on active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WW II), and discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
• Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order may qualify for VA health care benefits. Returning service members, including Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations have special eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for two years following discharge from active duty.
• Health Care eligibility is not just for those who served in combat.
• Other groups may be eligible for some health benefits.
• Veteran’s health care is not just for service-connected injuries or medical conditions.
• Veteran’s health care facilities are not just for men only. VA offers full-service health care to women veterans.

From Military.com

THROUGHOUT AMERICAN HISTORY our military has provided for the  national defense and preserved our way of life. The American military is not a faceless body but a collection of individuals — patriots united by a legacy of selfless service and sacrifice. America's veterans know the cost of freedom and have never looked to others to pay that price.

THAT SPIRIT POWERS this rallying cry to veterans. Now is the time to find your brothers and sisters, those who also once bore the nation's burden. Look not solely to government agencies but to each other, as well. As ten percent of the American population, you have the ability to inform, to employ, to mentor, to heal — to change the lives of other veterans. Please Read & sign the Veterans Bill of Rights!    More................

Important Phone No.'s to Military Vets & Retires:

This page contains a lot of information, we cannot be responsible for lost links, if you find any errors please report them to us. So. Texas Veterans Health Care System.

• Victoria VA Outpatient Clinic (361) 582-7700
• Audie Murphy (210) 617-5300
• Kerrville (830) 896-2020
• Corpus Christi (361) 806-5600
• Frank Tejeda (210) 699-2100
• Harlingen (956) 366-4500
• Laredo (956) 523-7850
• McAllen (956)618-7100

Names & Phone numbers:

Source Pers05