Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2002

The traditional Memorial Day will begin with the raising of the American Flag at 8am on the Town Common, with Call To Colors being played.

 

Immediately following that ceremony, there will be a special memorial dedication to former Burlington residents and teacher who were killed during the September 11^th terroist attacks.  Tom McGinness, who grew up here in Burlington and whose parents still reside here was the Co-Pilot of Flight 11. On board were Jim Trentini and Robert Hayes. All three will be honored.

 

The procession to the cemetery will begin at 10am from the Human Services Building. Our guest speaker will be Marine Sgt Major Kip Carpenter of the 25^th Marines at Devens Massachusetts.

 Thank you for your service to your country. God Bless America.

Burlington American Legion Flag Drop-Box

The Burlington American Legion has dedicated a new American Flag Drop Box that sits under the canopy in front of the American Legion Hall on Winn Street. The purpose of the Drop Box is to make it as easy as possible for people to properly dispose of a worn and torn American Flag.

 

It has been great to see the continued Patriotism by Americans in flying Old Glory, but there comes a time when she must be taken down and destroyed. There is a proper way of disposing of American Flags, and dropping a flag off at the American Legion is the best first step.

 

The Drop Box will be located under the canopy in front of the Legion Hall. All you have to do is drive into the driveway, open your window and place the flag into the box. Pretty easy.

For pictures, visit the following pages from our website: 

   Dedication - Story and Pictures  

  Pictures and Layout by Richard Hogan

Changes in VA Co-Payments

The VA has officially changed the co-payments made for prescriptions purchased through the VA Pharmacy, and the co-payments for visits to the VA for medical care.

As of February 4, 2002, the cost of a 30-day supply of medication has increased from $2.00 to $7.00. The cost of the medical visits, however, has decreased. The old $50.80 charge has been changed to a tiered payment schedule. For general visits the charge for those veterans who do pay, will be $15.00. For more extensive work, like MRIs, the charge will be $50.00. Under the proposed regulations, the annual out of pocket payments would be a maximum of $840.00 for veterans in certain enrollment categories.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee has rejected an administration proposal to charge some veterans a $1,500 deductible to help pay the rising costs of veterans’ health care programs. The committee, in recommendations to the House Budget Committee, said Congress should come up with the extra money rather than pass on added costs to veterans using the VA Health Care System. The plan was strongly opposed by veterans groups and had little chance of getting through either the House or the Senate.

For more information, visit the following page from our website:   VA Adjusts Co-Payment at VA Hospital

 Tricare Questions

For Military Retirees, Captain Arlene Love over at Hanscom Air Force Base can answer your questions about Tricare For Life. There have been a lot of changes with Champva and Tricare and many retirees ask this office for information. Captain Love is available to answer all your questions. Also, you may wish to ask her to place your name on a mailing list. For more information on military retiree benefits, contact Captain Love, at Hanscom AFB, by calling 781-377-2476. She can also be reached by e-mail at, Arlene.Love@hanscom.af.mil

For more information visit the Tricare page of this website.

Surviving Spouses of 100% Service Connected Disabled Veterans  Not Yet Eligible for $1,500 Annuity  

It is doubtful that HB 3339 will be released from the House Ways & Means Committee for approval by the entire House. The reason is the very severe budget crisis the state is experiencing. With markedly decreased tax revenues, which have resulted in layoffs and cutbacks in agency budgets, early retirement incentives to save money, as well as the state finding it necessary to tap the tobacco trust fund and the rainy day fund just to keep its fiscal head above water, new expenditures are not foreseeable and are considered highly unlikely.

Increase in Veterans Burial Benefits

The VA is increasing reimbursements for funeral expenses and cemetery plots for service disabled veterans and provide government markers for veterans graves even if families have already installed private markers. The funeral expense allowance for service-connected disability rises from $1,500 to $2,000, and the cemetery plot allowance increases from $150 to $300. The VA will also be accepting requests for government markers for veterans buried in private cemeteries even if their graves have headstones or markers furnished at private expense.

For more information, visit the following page from our website:  

 

Law Increases Veterans' Burial Benefits - Released by Veterans Affairs (VA)

 

Getting Your Paperwork in Order

As the Director of Veterans Services, I am one of the individuals who deal with the surviving family members, as well as funeral homes when a veteran passes away. It is your responsibility to make sure that your family knows where your Separation Papers are located. I suggest, as I have done now for five years, to bring a copy to the Office of Veterans Services in the Human Services Building so we can have a copy on file. Nothing can be done on your behalf for veterans benefits without the Separation Papers.

                It is also important that all your documents and paperwork are completely updated and in the hands of the right people, so when the inevitable happens, your wishes and needs are dealt with properly. I see too many instances when the wrong decisions are made without properly thinking them through, or by not asking experts for their opinion.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

Families of deceased veterans can apply for Presidential Memorial Certificates. The certificate is awarded posthumously to the veteran for his devoted and selfless service to his country in the Armed Services of the United States. It is signed by the President of the United States and is awarded by a grateful nation. If you would like to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, contact the Burlington Office of Veterans Services.

Visit the VA's website for more information:  http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm