EyesRight The quarterly publication of Winter 2014-15

Michael Corathers is 2014 Veteran of the Year Peacocks roam the grounds of the Sandusky Veterans Home. For some veterans, the desire to serve and assist their comrades doesn’t stop with the end of their Care, Comfort and Comradery military career. They find ways to make their communities better Veterans Homes offer discounted care for veterans places and inspire others to do the same. This is true of Michael Corathers, As recently as 2013, there were Sandusky. The Domiciliary features facilities, although each resident’s rate the Veterans Service Commission nearly 400,000 veterans in Ohio 293 beds, along with a dining area, a is dependent upon an assessment of (VSC) 2014 Veteran of the Year. who were 65 or older based on computer lounge, two reading lounges, his or her monthly income. Veterans After a 21-year career in the estimates from the U.S. Census clubs and recreational facilities. Each must meet certain criteria to become United States Army and serving all Bureau’s website. Many of whom need resident has a private room with access residents. This is the same for all over the U.S., Korea and Germany, regular care. State veterans homes to cable and a shared bathroom. facilities and includes having been Corathers found ways to keep serving. are a great option for veterans who Opened in 2003, the Georgetown an Ohio resident for at least one year, He’s made significant contributions require that kind of care and want the Home is a 168-bed nursing home having served on active duty during a to the community, including the companionship of comrades. These facility located in southern Ohio. time of war or conflict or receiving a Copley Memorial Day Parade that facilities are regularly inspected by the Like the Sandusky Home, it provides specified mark of distinction. Veterans he and his wife, Kathi, established Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the same standard and specialized must prove their last discharge was and continue to organize every year. to ensure that they continue to be up care options for veterans. The under honorable circumstances, and He works with the Navy Junior to the standards set by the VA for such Georgetown Home is situated in the they must be disabled to a degree that ROTC cadets at Garfield High facilities. Ohio has two state veterans quiet countryside of Brown County prevents them from earning a living. School. He also advises young people homes; one is located in Sandusky, the and features a small on grounds State veterans homes are planning to enter the military and other, in Georgetown. park where local veterans’ service owned and operated by their state works with students applying for The Sandusky location has been organizations often host events. government. After being officially VFW-sponsored awards. In his spare in operation for more than 125 years In addition to the standard and recognized and certified as a state time, he uses his own vehicle to and was originally opened in 1888 as a specialized care offered at these veterans home by the VA, the homes transport fellow veterans to care facility for veterans from the Civil nursing homes, the Sandusky Home are subject to annual surveys by the medical appointments. War. Since then, it has undergone an and Georgetown Home keep life fun VA to ensure they continue to meet As Summit County Council addition and considerable renovations, and meaningful for residents. Whether predetermined standards. Chairperson, Corathers organized the most recent of which was completed it’s enjoying a pet therapy session, If you are interested in visiting a clean up and repair of the rundown in 1986. The nursing home portion, celebrating a birthday or holiday, the Sandusky Home for a tour but known as the Secrest-Giffin Care participating in devotional programs or need assistance with transportation Mt. Home Cemetery in Akron before Facility, is equipped with 427 beds enjoying other recreational activities, to get there, please contact the Memorial Day 2013. The task was and offers veterans standard care there are plenty of opportunities for Veterans Service Commission (VSC) completed in two days as a combined for intermediate needs as well as interacting and socializing. Unlike at 330-643-2830. In addition to effort of groups he rallied, including specialized care for those with typical nursing homes, the Sandusky providing transportation, the VSC the American Legion (an organization Alzheimer’s disease and other forms Home even has peacocks wandering also assists veterans with obtaining of which he has been a member for of dementia. the grounds. and filing the proper paperwork and 13 years), Garfield High School Naval Eligible veterans who need medical The Sandusky Home, Sandusky scheduling appointments with the Junior ROTC and relatives of those care but wish to maintain their Domiciliary and Georgetown Home all home. Learn more about Ohio’s state buried at the cemetery. independence can opt for the Sandusky provide care at a lower rate than most veterans homes by visiting http://dvs. See Veteran of the Year, page 2 Domiciliary, which is also located in nursing homes and independent living ohio.gov/VETERANS_HOMES.

www.VSCsummitOH.us Veteran of the Year from page 1 Corathers was recognized for Year. “I was very honored his contributions to the community, and humbled by my selection,” fellow veterans and those aspiring he commented. In fact, the honor to serve in the military at the annual came as a complete surprise. He Veteran of the Year dinner in October didn’t even know his name had at the VSC office in Akron, where been submitted. F.Y.I.God and Country – call Emergency financial aid more than 100 people gathered. As “I think it’s the obligation for names for veterans he received his plaque at the dinner, of every American citizen to The God and Country event When veterans are faced with Corathers noticed the banners give back to their community. recognizes those veterans who difficult financial times due to hanging around the room with the Don’t just exist,” he added. have passed away in the previous loss of employment, family names of previous Veterans of the “Have a purpose.” year. If you know of a veteran who emergencies, medical crisis or has passed away between Jan. 1 financial hardship, the VSC may and Dec. 31, 2014, and you would be able to provide financial aid. like that veteran to be included in These funds can be used for the Last Call memorial service at paying rent and mortgage, as well the God and Country event, as past-due utility bills, which please submit his or her name can be particularly challenging to Laura Dunlop at 330-762-7328 during the winter months. Director’s Corner or [email protected] Learn more about this program Get smarter about taxes this year no later than January 15, 2015. and apply for assistance by calling the VSC at 330-643-2830 It’s time to file that dreaded IRS tax or visiting the office at 1060 return again, so here’s a tax saving tip Transportation schedule E. Waterloo Rd., Monday-Friday for those receiving military retirement pay. If you incurred an injury or illness remains unchanged from 8-11 a.m. The transportation schedule while on active duty and have never for the VSC’s 18-passenger filed a claim for benefits with the VA, I recommend you do so. Filing a claim mini bus will remain unchanged Wounded Warriors for compensation isn’t as daunting as this winter. Veterans wishing to League versus Akron Racers it seems, especially with the professional receive transportation to medical detail and free assistance of a County appointments will need to arrive The Wounded Warriors Amputee Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) here at at VSC’s building, located at 1060 Softball Team (WWAST) is coming the Veterans Service Commission (VSC) E. Waterloo Rd., Akron, at 6 a.m. to Akron this summer. The team, of Summit County. The bus departs at 6:30 a.m. which is comprised of athletically Although VA compensation may reduce your retirement pay for every The bus will make stops at talented veterans, will face the Akron Racers women’s professional dollar you receive, keep in mind that VA compensation is not taxable, the Akron Community Based while your retirement pay is. By accepting the VA compensation in Outpatient Clinic (ACBOC) and fast pitch team at Firestone Stadium in June. Spectators will be able lieu of full retirement pay you will be lowering your income tax base the Metro RTA Transit Center rate and reducing your actual taxes at the same time. before traveling to Wade Park to catch a great ball game while VA Medical Center. supporting veterans and a good In your reported income you should not include any veterans’ benefits cause as all proceeds will go paid under any law, regulation or administrative practice administered Veterans are also able to board back to the WWAST and to fund by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The following categories the bus at the Metro RTA Transit scholarships for local children of amounts paid to veterans or their families are not taxable. Center. Those who wish to board with amputations to attend a at the Transit Center are encouraged softball camp. The exact date is • Education, training and subsistence allowances to call 330-643-2830 in advance still being determined, but keep • Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities to schedule pick-up. Riders should an eye out for more details. paid either to veterans or their families arrive at the Transit Center for • Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living a 6:45 a.m. pick-up. • Grants for motor vehicles for veterans who lost their sight or the use of their limbs • Veterans’ insurance proceeds and dividends paid either to veterans or their beneficiaries, including the proceeds of a veteran’s endowment policy paid before death • Interest on insurance dividends left on deposit with the VA • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program • The death gratuity paid to a survivor of a member of the Armed Forces who died after Sept. 9, 2001 VSC Services for Vets • Payments made under the compensated work therapy program We assist veterans in need with their basic living needs. These • Any bonus payment by a state or political subdivision because services are available to eligible veterans, their dependents and of service in a combat zone widows. Services are subject to change. Please visit the experts at the VSC. We are happy to provide assistance Financial Assistance • Medical / Dental • Preparation of VA free of charge and to assess whether or not you qualify for compensation. • Mortgage payments / (including dentures, forms and paperwork Homeowner’s insurance glasses and hearing • Supportive Reference IRS Publication 525 for tax information on Military aids) documentation of • Rent and Veterans. • Utilities • Regularly scheduled claims and pertinent • Roofs transportation to VA data In Appreciation, • Furnace (replacement medical facilities and • Proper submission of and repair) Ohio Veterans Home claims to the VA • Stove and Refrigerators • Grave markers and flags • Service connected • Food compensation • Children’s clothing Veterans Affairs • Non-service pension • Adult work clothing Assistance • Widows pension Executive Director • Car payments, repairs • Assistance applying • Burial benefits and insurance (limited) for Veterans Affairs • Headstones (VA) benefits

If you are a veteran in financial need or need help with your VA claim, please visit us at 1060 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron or call 330-643-2830.

www.VSCsummitOH.us National News Navigating compensation, payment and benefits Making the right choice for you and your family When planning for the future, if the veteran was rated as totally If applicable, a veterans should consider how they disabled for the last eight years prior veteran’s surviving choose to receive their pay after to his or her death and the surviving children and spouse retiring or being discharged from spouse was married to the veteran for should apply for DIC the military. While most forms the duration of that time. benefits as these of compensation, pension and Veterans who are receiving are not taxable. SBP retirement pay have plans in place for retirement pay can opt to participate payments to survivors, surviving spouses and children, the in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) however, are taxable. benefits provided may differ slightly. or Reserve Component Survivor It is possible for Death Indemnity Compensation Benefit Plan (RCSBP). Sponsored survivors to receive (DIC) may be available for surviving and subsidized through the Department both SBP and DIC, but spouses of veterans who have passed of Defense (DoD), this program if DIC is awarded, the away in the line of duty or as a result provides an annuity to surviving SBP will be reduced of a service-connected injury or spouses and/or children. If a veteran by the amount of the illness. These spouses will qualify for does not make an adjustment, full DIC. In cases where the basic monthly rate of $1,215. basic SBP is automatically provided DIC is greater than Additional compensation may also be for his or her spouse and children. SBP, the latter will Veterans can also visit the VSC available if the veteran had dependent Payments through SBP can be as be terminated. headquarters at 1060 E. Waterloo Rd. children or if the surviving spouse much as 55 percent of the veteran’s To learn more about the various in Akron to speak to a service officer in needs specialized care, including up retirement pay. Through the SBP, types of retirement, pension and person. The VSC provides free professional to $301 for spouses entitled to Aid veterans can select their base compensation available and to make assistance with filing for claims and & Attendance care or up to $141 for amount, which is then used to the best choice for your family, contact compensation, and the knowledgable those receiving Housebound care. The determine the payment amount the experts at the Veterans Service staff is an excellent resource for basic monthly rate jumps to $1,473 to their spouse. Commission (VSC) at 330-643-2830. Summit County veterans. Tip of the H.Helping America’s A .T. Troops Progressive® donates cars to veterans Veterans Day is about Progressive partners with year with my car recognizing and thanking those the National Auto Body Council constantly breaking who served. Whether it’s a day off to find local body shops to down and having to from work, a moment of silence refurbish vehicles that will then take care of it. or a free meal at a restaurant, be part of the giveaway, while I can take steps the day is commemorated and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the forward and celebrated in many different United States posts (VFW) identify actually enjoy life a ways. For Progressive® Insurance, deserving veteran candidates. little better because Veterans Day is a perfect time As an added benefit, the first of this program.” to give away newly refurbished six months of car insurance is The day Life vehicles as a thank you to already covered for the veteran picked up his veterans through its Keys to by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. 2009 Jeep Grand John Life (center) receiving his Jeep with Matt Shrik ® Progress program. One hundred and seventeen Cherokee at Fred and Jan Moore of Progressive. The overall goal of this effort vehicles were given to veterans Martin Superstore, is to get veterans back on the throughout the nation on Veterans he found more than a vehicle “The freedom and opportunity road to success, both literally Day 2014. In Ohio alone, veterans waiting for him. Inside the car that arise from simply owning and figuratively, by providing in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, were gifts for his two daughters, a car, as well as the sense of them with a vehicle. Finding Columbus and Dayton received including a dual screen DVD pride and ownership, are almost proper vehicles and worthy a set of keys for their new rides. player built into the headrests with as important as the car itself,” veterans to whom the vehicles John Life, who works at the headphones, a said Larry Moore, executive can be given, however, is an Veterans Service Commission basket, a director of the VSC. “We applaud intense and essential part of the (VSC) as a security officer, was basket, toys from the movie Progressive and all of the other program. Fortunately, other one of the selected veterans. “Frozen” and much more. There companies and organizations companies and organizations “No one has ever done anything were even bicycles for the girls that are partnering together have joined in to assist with that of this magnitude for me,” said and Life, who said they’ll use them to help veterans in such challenging identification process. Life. “I’ve been having a rough when they go camping next year. a tremendous way.”

EyesRight Winter 2014-15 EyesRight Winter 2014-15

1060 E. Waterloo Rd. Akron, Ohio 44306 God and Country 2015 p: 330-643-2830 f: 330-643-8779 The annual God and Country event, hosted by the Summit County Veterans Council, will be held Facebook “f” Logo www.VSCsummitOH.usCMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Acker-Moore Memorial Post, 3733 Fishcreek Rd. in Stow. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and features a hospitality hour, dinner, special memorial service and social hour with disc jockey. Veterans Service Commission of Executive Director Tickets are $18 each and must be purchased prior Larry D. Moore Summit County (VSC) provides to the event. Please call Jim Forsythe 330-673-7638 comprehensive support services Service Officers to purchase tickets. to Summit County residents who David Burden have served in any branch of the David Donaldson military. Veterans and their families Clarence Drake Robert Giannone who demonstrate need receive free Penny Haynes financial, transportation and medical Ernest Mizzell assistance as well as coordination Tammy Morris and processing help with Veterans Carrie Reese Administration (VA) claims and Daren Williams benefits. The agency was created Support Staff in 1886 to aid veterans upon their Sharon Ameser return home from duty. Mark Anderson Karen Benfield Gordon Dean Commissioners Marcie Howes A.W. “Sonny” Cool Jennifer Pelfrey Bruce Hestley Carl Richardson Byron Morris William Schnering Robert Panovich Yvonne Summers Mike Stith Gail Warley

Your Health VA issues Choice Cards, improves access to care As the Department of Veterans signed into action in August of 2013. than 350,000 veterans, and it for VA health care who may be Affairs (VA) works to correct any After a delay in getting all cards included veterans who were eligible for the Choice Card program residual problems from the recent out by early November, the VA has waiting longer than 30 days for a in the future regardless of whether record-keeping issues experienced sent the first phase to 320,000 VA- VA appointment. The third is split, they need it now. nationwide, it has developed a plan enrolled veterans who reside more with some sending in December The Choice Card program will on how to make future service superior than 40 miles from any type of VA and others going out early this year. end in three years or when the VA to what’s been offered in the past. medical facility. The second phase This phase includes more than eight has allocated the full $10 billion. The Choice Card program is the was sent in late November to more million remaining veterans enrolled Some improvements from this latest step in aiding veterans program include increased who are struggling to access access to care inside and VA care. These cards allow outside of the VA, as well veterans to obtain health as more clinic hours, work care outside the VA hospital days and mobile medical network if they live too far units. So far, the national away from one, which is 40 new patient primary care miles or more, or have had wait time has decreased more than a 30-day wait by 18 percent, and 89 time for an appointment percent of appointments at a VA provider. are completed within The Choice Cards work 30 days of the veteran’s similarly to a basic health preferred date or date care insurance card, showing determined medically the holder’s name and a necessary by a physician. number to call to verify For more information eligibility for outside care. about the Veterans Choice Congress allocated $10 Program, visit www.va.gov/ billion for this purpose opa/choiceact/ or contact through the Veterans Access, the Summit County VSC at Choice and Accountability 330-643-2830 to speak with Act, which President Obama a county service officer.