FEATURED ARTICLES AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Honor Flight Offers WWII Vets Trips to See Washington Monuments
World War II veterans are dying at the rate of 1,000 per day according to official government figures.  In an effort to show the men and women that their services are revered by our nation, Honor Flight Historic Triangle Virginia (HFHTVA) is sponsoring a series of escorted day trips for them to Washington, D.C.  The next event will be held on Saturday, October 16.

The HFHTVA is a non-profit organization offering day trips to Washington, D.C. for World War II veterans to see the monuments erected in their honor and to visit other historic sites.  Since the original flights in 2008, more than 45,000 veterans have participated in the Washington, D.C. visits honoring their service.  The veterans are escorted by a staff of paramedics as well as volunteers who are either family members or private citizens.  Active Duty military personnel are especially welcomed as escorts.

In order to be included in the October 16 trip, veterans who have not participated in previous honor flights are urged to register in order to reserve space.  The veterans will travel free of charge; however interested volunteers willing to volunteer their time are required to pay their own trip expenses.  Members of the public may also donate tax-deductible contributions to defray the veteran's expenses.

For more information, Langley active duty and retirees may contact the Retiree Activities Officer, LTC (ret.) Arthur Korff at 753-7386 or by e-mail retireeavctivities@langley.af.mil.

In addition, details can be found and applications may be downloaded at www.honorflightHTVA.org LTC Arthur Korff, US AIR FORCE (Retired), Retiree Activities Director. Used with permission.

Tricare Retired Reserve launches Tricare Health Coverage
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFRNS) - For the first time, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called "gray area" retirees, can purchase Tricare health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with today's launch of Tricare Retired Reserve, or TRR.

"This new program offers a health coverage opportunity for "gray area" Guardsmen and Reservists who served America honorably, setting a proud example for today's forces," said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity.  "Tricare Retired Reserve will provide an outstanding health benefit."

Retired Reservists may qualify to purchase TRR coverage if they are younger than 60 and are not eligible for, or enrolled in, the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.  They must also be members of the Retired Reserve of a Reserve component and qualified for non-regular retirement.  For instructions on how to qualify for and purchase TRR go to www.tricare.mil/trr.

For calendar 2010, the TRR member-only monthly premium is $388.31 ($4,659.72 yearly), and the member and family monthly premium is $976.41 ($11,716.92 yearly).  Premiums will be adjusted annually.

The comprehensive health care coverage provided by the premium-based TRR is similar to Tricare Standard.  After purchasing TRR, members will receive the Tricare Retired Reserve Handbook, which includes details about covered services, how to get care and who to contact for assistance.  For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/trr.  Also, visit www.tricare.mil/tricaresmartfiles/Prod_790/TRR_Brochure_Final_Lo.pdf (Courtesy of Tricare) (With permission of the Air Force Retiree News)

VA Officials Publish Final Regulation to Aid Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
Veteran's Affairs News Service

Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have easier access to quality health care and will qualify for disability compensation under a final regulation that will be published Aug. 31 in the Federal Register by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The new rule expands the list of health problems VA officials will presume to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures to add two new conditions and expand one existing category of conditions.

"Last October, based on the requirements of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 and the Institute of Medicine's 2008 Update on Agent Orange, I determined that the evidence provided was sufficient to award presumptions of service connection for these three additional diseases," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  "It was the right decision, and the president and I are proud to finally provide this group of veterans the care and benefits they have long deserved."

The final regulation follows Mr. Shinseki's determination to expand the list of conditions for which service connection for Vietnam veterans is presumed.

VA officials are adding Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease and expanding chronic Lymphocytic leukemia to include all chronic B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia.

Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have easier access to quality health care and will qualify for disability compensation under a final regulation that will be published Aug. 31 in the Federal Register by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  (file photo) In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between their medical problems and their military service.  By helping veterans overcome evidentiary requirements that might otherwise present significant challenges, this "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process and ensures that veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

Secretary Shinseki's decision to add these presumptive is based on the latest evidence provided in a 2008 independent study by the Institute of Medicine concerning health problems caused by herbicides like Agent Orange.

Veterans, who served in Vietnam anytime during the period beginning January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides.

More than 150,000 veterans are expected to submit Agent Orange claims in the next 12 to 18 months, many of who are potentially eligible for retroactive disability payments based on past claims.

Additionally, VA officials will review approximately 90,000 previously denied claims by Vietnam veterans for service connection for these conditions.  All those awarded service connection who are not currently eligible for enrollment into the VA health care system will become eligible.

This historic regulation is subject to provisions of the Congressional Review Act that require a 60-day Congressional review period before implementation.  After the review period, VA officials can begin paying benefits for new claims and may award benefits retroactively for earlier periods.

For new claims, VA officials may pay benefits retroactive to the effective date of the regulation or up to one year before the date they receive the application, whichever is later.  For pending claims and claims that were previously denied, VA officials may pay benefits retroactive to the date they received the claim.

VA officials encourage Vietnam veterans with these three diseases to submit their applications for access to VA health care and compensation now so the agency can begin development of their claims.

Individuals can go to a website at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm to learn how to file a claim and what evidence is needed to make a decision about disability compensation or survivors benefits.

Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services for veterans exposed to the chemical is available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.

The regulation is available on the Office of the Federal Register website at www.ofr.gov. (From Military Health System)

Got Questions About VA Loans?
Buying a home can be pretty confusing, especially if you're trying to purchase with a VA Home Loan.  Military.com, in partnership with Direct VA Loans from freedom Direct(R), has a new VA Home Buying video series to help you cut through the clutter and the process.  The videos clear up the qualification process, fees that are charged and just about all the questions you have.  Take the first step in homeownership now. (From Military.com)

AF Heritage Museum Opens
The U.S. Air Force recently reopened a newly named and renovated enlisted heritage museum at Lackland Air Force Base, Tex.  In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate a building that has housed the museum since 1956, the name was officially changed from the History and Traditions Museum to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum.  The museum now has interactive technology, museum quality lighting, 31 exhibits and additional staff.  The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the Museums.org website or telephone 210-671-3055. (From Military.com)

AAFES Invites Customer Comments
Army and Air Force Exchanges are currently introducing new products that focus on new, trendy and updated styles as well as recognizable name brands.  Recent rollouts included Vera Bradley and Coach Store In Store concepts, along with Victoria's Secret Pink.  Customers are encouraged to see local managers for on-the-spot comments or to submit their comments online at shopmyexchange.com.  Exchanges also invite military shoppers to post their comments on Facebook and Twitter. (From Military.com)

SecAF Thanks American Legion for Care of Airmen, Veterans

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addresses Legion delegates Sept. 1, 2010, during the American Legion's 92nd National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. (Courtesy photo/Craig Roberts)

by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

9/2/2010 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. (AFNS) -- The secretary of the Air Force addressed thousands of Legionnaires at the American Legion's 92nd National Convention here Sept. 1 to thank them for their devotion to Airmen and veterans.

In his speech to the nation's largest veterans service organization, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said the Air Force will continue to provide for the physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual well-being of Airmen and their families because the service recognizes it "is not only the right thing to do for our Airmen, it is the smart thing to do for our Air Force."

"We owe a debt of gratitude to the American Legion for 92 years of unwavering support of veterans, by veterans," Secretary Donley said.  "Your steadfast support of a strong national defense ... has made a difference to the United States Air Force."

Citing the legion's commitment to community youth programs, advocacy of patriotism and honor, and promotion of strong national security, Secretary Donley said the organization helped build a supportive American public and set the example for the next "greatest generation."

He also thanked the American Legion for helping to elevate the Veterans Affairs to cabinet status in 1989.

"That effort led to better access to care for vets, better funding, a GI bill for the new century and rehabilitation and healing from both the physical and psychological wounds of war," Secretary Donley said.  "That is caring for Airmen."

As an example of the organization's support to returning Airmen, Secretary Donley related the Legion's familial treatment of Air Force Capt. Kyle Deen, who was wounded in action June 19 when his helicopter was struck with small arms fire.  The captain suffered fragmentation and gunshot wounds to both legs.

"When he came home to New Kensington, (Pa.), in July, he was greeted by American Legion Post 868," Secretary Donley said.  "That is caring for Airmen."

The secretary expressed gratitude for the American Legion's contributions across the spectrum of age, rank and status, from youth to veterans.

"You continue to lay the foundations for America's future, instilling in our youth the values of patriotism, good citizenship and public service," Secretary Donley said.  "That work will bring us future Airmen." (From Air Force Link)

Final F-15 Departs Langley, 71st FS Prepares to Inactivate

The last two operational F-15 Eagles departed Langley Air Force Base, Va., Sept. 1, 2010, for Portland, Ore. (Courtesy photo)

by Senior Airman Jarrod R. Chavana
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- The last two operational F-15 Eagles left here Sept. 1 for Portland, Ore.  The 71st Fighter Squadron is scheduled to be inactivated Sept. 30.

The 71st FS, also referred to as the Ironmen, generated more than 4,000 sorties and logged more than 5,400 flight hours annually.

"When the last wheels of the venerable (F-15) Eagle leave the tarmac, it takes with it 34 years of airpower and an overwhelming record of 104 enemy fighters destroyed to zero F-15s lost," said Col. Matthew Molloy, the 1st Fighter Wing commander.  "Without a doubt, the F-15s of Langley Air Force Base have left little question as to which aircraft is the combat proven, preeminent air superiority fighter."

The F-15s are being sent to active-duty bases within the U.S., overseas and National Guard bases.  Like the aircraft, the majority of the pilots and maintenance personnel are being allocated to various bases.

"It's pretty somber for all the personnel in the 71st," said Maj. Greg Voelkel, the 71st FS director of operations.  "The 71st has a great history.  Everyone is pretty proud to serve and be part of the squadron."

Reassignment teams have come to Langley to place Airmen in locations where their expertise could best be utilized.

"We have a few guys that will stay here and work on the Raptors at Langley, but 90 percent have been reassigned to stateside bases," said Chief Master Sgt. Carlos Taylor, the 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent.

Not only is the maintenance Airmen being reassigned, but also the majority of the pilots have been given new assignments, Major Voelkel said.

"With the departure of the F-15s, the air superiority torch will be passed to the next generation of Air Force aircraft - the mighty F-22 Raptor," Colonel Molloy said.  "It is understood that the F-22 is still unproven in actual combat, but all indicators from our local training sorties to the Air Expeditionary Force deployments point to phenomenal potential.

"The 1st Fighter Wing stands ready to employ this aircraft in the same 'first and finest' standard as the F-15 Eagle," he said. (From Air Force Link)

TREA Washington Update for September 3, 2010
As we head into the Labor Day weekend, Congress continues its Summer District Work Period and will not be back in session until September 13 for the Senate, and September 14 for the House of Representatives.  That means, of course, that no legislative matters have changed since they left town in early August.  However, the Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE Management Activity made several important announcements this week. In addition, the Marine Corps are looking for personnel who were stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1987 or before.  See those, and more, below. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

International Study Led by VA-Harvard Physician

Yields Insight on Risks from Fatty Arteries

An international study of clinical data led by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Harvard University cardiologist found that patients with deposits of fatty plaque in their arteries are at especially high risk for life-threatening cardiovascular events if they have diabetes, disease in multiple arteries or a history of heart attack or stroke.

"This study was an impressive international collaboration that may hold important clinical benefits for Veterans and others with cardiovascular disease," said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.  "The results, presented both in a prestigious medical journal and at a major international cardiology meeting, are likely to be of great significance to physicians-particularly cardiologists-in VA and worldwide."

The findings, from a study of more than 45,000 patients in nearly 30 countries, was published online August 30 by the Journal of the American Medical Association and will appear in the journal's September 22 print edition.  The results are also being presented this week at the annual meeting of the European Cardiology Society in Sweden.

According to lead author Dr. Deepak Bhatt and colleagues, the findings may guide future clinical trials and help doctors decide which patients need more aggressive treatment.  Bhatt is chief of cardiology at the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the Integrated Intervention Cardiovascular Program at VA and Brigham and Women's Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

The four-year study included patients who had at baseline clinical evidence of atherothrombosis-in which fatty deposits break off from artery walls to form clots-or who had risk factors for the condition.  Ruptured plaque deposits can form clots that block blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in heart attack or stroke.

Depending on their medical status and history, different groups of patients in the trial were at higher or lower risk for stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death.  On the low end of the risk scale-7 percent-were those with no diabetes and only risk factors for atherothrombosis.  The risk rose to as high as 25 percent for those with clinical evidence of atherothrombosis in multiple arteries and a history of heart attack or stroke.  The presence of diabetes also raised the risk considerably.

"Even stable patients with a previous heart attack or stroke are at particularly high risk of recurrence if they have plaque build-up in several different arteries or if they have diabetes," said Bhatt.  "These types of patients need aggressive preventive efforts to keep history from repeating itself."

Knowing that "not all atherothrombosis is equal," write Bhatt and colleagues can help doctors target therapies such as plaque-reducing and clot-busting drugs to those patients who will benefit most.  VA Chief Research and Development Officer Dr. Joel Kupersmith adds, "this study illustrates the importance of basic clinical information in determining the best care for the individual patient." (From VA NEWS)

VA Celebrates Workforce, Unions and Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce of more than 300,000 - including more than 90,000 who are Veterans - knows one of its objectives as it observes Labor Day is to help young Veterans find jobs.

"This Labor Day, we are not only celebrating the dedicated, talented VA employees working to deliver benefits and care to the Nation's heroes," says Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  "We also are focusing our efforts in encouraging employers to consider Veterans when they need workers with a strong work ethic, leadership and a drive for success."

Shinseki says VA partners with the Department of Labor and the Office of Personnel Management in helping implement the President's Federal Veterans Hiring Initiative.  VA's own national program aims at bringing even more Veterans into its workforce and is a model and source of information for other federal agencies.  VA has the largest percentage of Veteran employees among civilian agencies -- approximately 30 percent -- and is increasing its number of regional employment coordinators to give Veterans more access to VA jobs.

Union members are about two-thirds of VA's workforce and Shinseki praises five national unions and their leadership for ongoing support of Veterans and VA's Veteran employees.  VA is one of very few federal agencies to have maintained a National Partnership Council (NPC) with its unions since 1994.  NPC representatives from management and the unions openly discuss new policies and programs and promote critical labor-management relations training.  NPC members participate in many VA task forces created to execute new business practices.  Furthermore, NPC this year is helping to develop the new labor-management forums mandated by a presidential executive order signed last December.  VA has also decided to create forums at the local and intermediate levels, in addition to its national organization.

Shinseki points out that Veterans and union members are among the Americans who are benefiting, even in the short term, from the department's commitment of $1.8 billion in Recovery Act funds to improvements at 1,200 VA facility locations across the country.

Private-sector employers located near military installations have opportunities to hire service members directly after their military service.  They can post vacancies at transition assistance centers or talk to service members at transition briefings.  Private employers can also reach Veterans seeking jobs through state employment offices throughout the country, where there are local Veteran employment representatives and disabled Veterans outreach coordinators.

"Working Americans will help our Nation's economic recovery, and Veterans are especially prepared to participate in that challenge," says Shinseki.  "Veterans have the discipline, work ethic and technical skills in areas such as acquisition, information technology, communications, security, information gathering and medical technology."

Useful employment information for Veterans seeking jobs and employers looking to hire Veterans can be found at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. (From VA NEWS)

Marines Corps Seeks Those Stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1987 or Before
The Marines Corps is trying to locate any Marines, family members or civilian employees who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in 1987 or earlier because of contaminated drinking water that was used in portions of Camp Lejeune.

If you were at Camp Lejeune in 1987 or prior, or if you know anyone who was, we urge you to call (877) 261-9782 or further information. (The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA))

VASRD Revisions Coming - But Not Soon
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation met late last month and announced the release of its July report to Congress.

The Advisory Committee is charged with advising Secretary Shinseki on the maintenance and periodic readjustment of the VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities (VASRD).  The Committee's focus is in three areas of disability compensation:

1. Requirements and methodology for updating the VASRD
2. Adequacy and sequencing of compensation procedures for transitioning service members
3. Disability compensation for non-economic loss (referred to as "quality of life")

The Committee recommended last year the need for a systematic VASRD review and reiterated that recommendation in its most recent report.  The VASRD, which has not been significantly updated since its development in 1945, has been labeled "out-of-date" and in need of major and immediate revisions by several past commissions and veterans' organizations.

Since the interim report, Secretary Shinseki has endorsed a comprehensive review and subsequently developed a four-phase project management plan to revise and update all 15-body systems in the VASRD.

During the two-day meeting, the Committee heard from several panel members on various body systems review groups.

Although the review of some VASRD components may be complete and published by late next year, the work is not scheduled to be completed until December 2016.

MOAA will continue to monitor progress on the revision of the disability rating system. (c) 2010, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Apply Now for "Gray Area" TRICARE
Starting September 1, retired Guardsmen and Reservists who are not yet age 60 ("gray area" retirees) can purchase TRICARE coverage for themselves and their families.

Eligibles may enroll in the new TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) program now and health care coverage will start on October 1.

The program is open to all "gray area" retirees who are not also eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as their spouses, dependent children, and survivors.

Unlike the TRICARE Reserve Select program for drilling reservists - in which premiums are subsidized by 72% - TRR premiums will be unsubsidized.  For 2010 the member-only premium is $388 a month and family coverage is $976 a month.  The rates increase to $408 and $1,020 respectively on January 1, 2011.

If you'd like to learn more about this new program or to enroll visit the TRICARE Retired Reserve Webpage. (c) 2010, The Military Officers Association of America. Used with permission.

Copyright (C) 2010, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), all rights reserved. Part or all of this message may be retransmitted for information purposes, but may not be used for any commercial purpose or in any commercial product, posted on a Web site, or used in any non-MOAA publication (other than that of a MOAA affiliate, or a member of The Military Coalition) without the written permission of MOAA. All retransmissions, postings, and publications of this message must include this notice.

COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BASE - POST NEWS

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on September 9th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on September 16th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on Septembert 23rd from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Port Warwick Farmers Market
The Port Warwick Mid-Week Farmers Market opens for the season through Sept. 29, each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Port Warwick on Loftus Boulevard at Jefferson Avenue in Newport News.

Shoppers can enjoy the freshest local seasonal produce, a variety of pasture-raised and grass-fed meats, poultry and seafood, flowers, and handcrafted items.

Admission is free.  No market on Oct. 6.

To learn more, phone 771-9343 or visit the Web site at www.portwarwick.com.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on Septembert 30th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

OCTOBER

Yorktown Wine Festival
Village Events, Ltd. is proud to host the 2010 Yorktown Wine Festival "The Best of Virginia in Yorktown" on October 2nd, 2010 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at 400 Water Street. Come to Yorktown's famous Riverwalk Landing and sample some of the Commonwealth's finest wineries. Enjoy opening ceremonies with the Fifes and Drums of York Town and then fine art, food and entertainment!  Rain or shine.

For ticket information contact Don Willis, at 757-877-2933, or e-mail villageevents@cox.net please visit our website below.

www.villageevents.org

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on October 7th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on October 14th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on October 21st from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on October 28th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Hampton Farmers Market
The Downtown Hampton Farmers Market opens each Saturday through Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to noon in the historic Carousel Park on Settlers Landing Road.

Local farms provide fresh produce, eggs, poultry, fish, meat and more.  Other vendors include local artists, cut flowers, crafts, jams, jellies, soaps and candles.

New vendors are welcome at an annual participation fee of $35.

For more information, contact Sherry Spring at 727-1271 or visit www.downtownhampton.com.

NOVEMBER

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on November 4th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

Veteran Peer Support Group
NAMI Connections for Veterans is a monthly group for people affected by stress related and traumatic brain injuries will be held at 100 Medical drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 on November 11th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.  Veterans will learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

For information, contact: Monyka Ruiz, 757-788-0049, or e-mail to mruiz@hnncsb.org.

BY DECEMBER 15TH

Air Force License Plate
The Air Force Association Virginia Branch announces its campaign for a U.S. Air Force specialty license plate.  The plate will display the modern emblem of the Air Force and be available for all past and present members of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard or Civil Air Patrol to increase public awareness of the Air Force and display our camaraderie and pride of service.

AFA Richmond Chapter 243 will administer the campaign by receiving applications and payments, working with Delegate Anderson and his staff, the DMV and providing project updates.  The AFA needs support because the bill won't go to the General Assembly unless they collect 350 paid applications by December 15.

For more information, visit http://www.langley.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100413-015.pdf.  To see the DMV form, visit http://www.langley.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100413-016.pdf.

CONTENT DISCLAMER
Although every effort is made to verify the information contained on this web site, neither the editor nor the RAO staff can guarantee the accuracy of information received from outside sources.




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