DATA FOR YOUR DIARY

Note these year 2002 special events. We urge your presence and participation at each one, Remember - To be there is a matter of pride!

Department of New York 81st Anniversary Celebration
Sunday May 5, 2002
Holiday Inn Rochester South
1111 Jefferson Road
Rochester, New York

Department Executive Committee and Mid-year Seminars:
March 22, 2002 to March 24, 2002
Friar Tuck Inn
Catskill, New York

Department of New York Convention:
June 23, 2002 to June 26, 2002
Friar Tuck Inn
Catskill, New York

National Midwinter Meetings (N.E.C. and C&A):
February 24, 2002 to February 27, 2002
Hyatt Regency Crystal City
2799 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA
(703) 418-1234

National Conventions:

2002 National Convention
August 9, 2002 to August 14, 2002
Adams Mark Hotel
Dallas, TX

2003 National Convention
July 19, 2003 to July 24, 2003
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
New Orleans, LA

2004 National Convention
July 31, 2004 to August 5, 2004
Reno Hilton Hotel
Reno, NV

For further information on the above events, call (516) 887-7100.

VA BENEFITS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL KILLED IN TERRORIST ATTACKS

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a variety of programs to assist survivors of active-duty military members killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. VA officials expect these benefits would primarily affect military personnel who were killed in the jet crash into the Pentagon, although benefits would equally apply to active-duty members who died at the World Trade Center towers. For life insurance benefits in particular, VA expects additional payments will be made to the families of reservists who were civilian employees or visitors at any of the locations attacked, or who were passengers on the planes.

Shortly after the attacks, VA began working with the casualty offices of the military services to expedite life insurance benefits as remains are identified. VA will give the highest priority to help surviving family members obtain their VA benefits.

VA has compiled information in "Veterans Benefits for Survivors" currently highlighted at http://www.vba.va.gov. In addition, because a significant portion of the population is veterans, VA expects that a large number of veterans were killed in the attacks in addition to the active-duty members. The widows and widowers of these former servicemembers also may be eligible for certain benefits depending on income, whether the veteran had been rated with a serious disability, whether the veteran served in a period of war and other factors. More information about how VA services apply in individual cases is available from benefits counselors at 800-827-1000.

Death Payments
When an active-duty member dies at work or in the line of duty, the death is considered service-connected whether accidental or due to a hostile force. VA pays a basic monthly rate of $911 to eligible surviving spouses. In some cases, VA can pay more, such as an adjustment for each dependent child. Under this program, called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, the basic rate is adjusted annually and payments continue indefinitely, generally until the death or remarriage of the spouse.

Life Insurance
Most servicemembers and reservists take VA's life insurance coverage, though a few decline coverage. VA expects most will have opted for life insurance coverage at the highest levels, setting payments as high as $250,000. VA is ready to process insurance payments for the beneficiaries of those killed in the terrorist attack within 48 hours of receipt of the casualty report from the Defense Department and the claim from the beneficiary. VA also offers the designated policy beneficiary free, personalized and objective financial planning services through nationally renowned commercial insurance and financial services.

Burial and Headstones
The servicemembers who died -- as well as civilians who were honorably discharged veterans killed in the attacks -- all are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery or, if the family wishes to arrange burial in a private cemetery, VA will provide a headstone or marker. Because deaths while on duty are considered service-connected, VA will pay up to $1,500 toward private burial expenses in those cases. If the decedent will be buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased to the cemetery may be reimbursed. Certain burial benefits would also extend to those retired from the reserves or National Guard.

Educational Assistance
VA's Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program generally provides up to 45 months of education benefits to the surviving spouse or child aged 18 to 26 where a servicemember died in the line of duty. In addition, professional, educational and vocational counseling will be provided to these beneficiaries without charge.

Home Loans
Widows and widowers of military members who died in the terrorist attacks may be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan from a private lender. The loan may be used to purchase, construct or improve a home, to refinance an existing mortgage or for certain other purposes.

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