Friday, June 20th, 2008

Earlier this month, Lin and I were invited by an old friend of Veterans Advantage to a U.S. Naval Academy Retirement Ceremony. But it wasn’t your typical retirement party; it honored nearly 40 members of the USNA’s Class of 1978, who have given 30 years of service to our country, and their families.

Some hope it’s the start of an annual celebration at Annapolis. Honoring those who have served and given so many years of tireless dedication to our country.

Captain Barton D. “Bart” Buechner was an early Veterans Advantage member, passionate about rail service in America, and helping those who serve. He was instrumental in forging our partnership with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and in raising funds for ESGR’s Foundation in support of mobilized National Guard and Reservists, as part of our cell phone recycling initiative (“Recycle and Reward”).

These days he is working with the California Department of Veterans Affairs as Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Home of California at Yountville. It was great to see him and his wonderful wife Pat. He looks great, and has a lot more to look forward to. We thank Bart for his service to our country, as well as the rest of his class of 1978. We appreciate his early support of Veterans Advantage, helping to bring us to where we are today.

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Thursday, June 19th, 2008

As reported here first on June 10, the House of Representatives passed funding for the new GI Bill, while also allowing for the benefits to be transferred to family members. The new GI Bill essentially would guarantee a full scholarship at any in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend, for people who serve in the military for at least three years. It is aimed at replicating the benefits awarded veterans of World War II and more than doubles the value of the benefit — from $40,000 today to $90,000.

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Monday, June 16th, 2008

Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice is an apolitical gesture that we all should recognize in our own way. The release of “Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives” chronicles in large part the story of Marine Major Steve Beck, a “casualty assistance calls officer” who specializes in helping the bereaved.

The book illustrates the account of the “knock on the door” which all military families dread, the pain suffered by a pregnant Marine widow who is allowed to sleep alongside her husband’s coffin the evening before his burial, and a stark photo of passengers of a commercial airliner witnessing another coffin being loaded into the plane’s cargo bay.

The book is written by the Rocky Mountain News’s own Jim Sheeler. You can click here for its own news coverage about the book, including an online slide show detailing the events I listed above.

The book is available nationwide, and at a discounted $19.72 for Veterans Advantage members in our members only discount Barnes & Noble.com online store (regularly priced at B&N for $20.76).

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Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

We found some very interesting data in a nationwide poll of our members: 55% of Veterans Advantage members approve of Virginia Senator Jim Webb’s proposed upgrade of educational benefits for the military, otherwise known as the GI Bill. Its being positioned as an expansive upgrade, $52 billion worth.

Meanwhile 45% of Veterans Advantage members surveyed support Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain’s proposal, one that would increase with the length of service of the serviceman or woman. The White House, by the way, seems to be offering a compromise of the two, with transferability of GI Bill benefits to family members, too.

As part of our ongoing editorial coverage of highlighting benefits relevant to our members, we provided analysis of both measures in a special report to Veterans Advantage members last week.

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Thursday, June 5th, 2008

With Father’s Day less than two weeks away, we wanted to acknowledge the dads among our members here in the States– and those who are thousands of miles away from family and facing the dangers of a war zone. We honor you and will continue doing our best to generate the recognition, respect and rewards you deserve for serving this country. And for those of you back home, this week’s newsletter highlights a lot of special offers that appeal to dad. Many of our partners, including Dell, Apple and Target, ship to APO/FPO locations.

Speaking of special days, tomorrow is D-Day. It struck me just this week when we got a call from a loyal Veterans Advantage member, a World War II Veteran who landed on the beaches of Normandy 64 years ago, and today provides counseling to those returning from Iraq and suffering from PTSD. 86 years young, he’s a hero among us.

Father’s Day is a time to thank your dad. Do your part in whatever way you can.

Enjoy!

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