Veterans
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- Written by: Department of Veterans Affairs
"The dedication of VA's loan professionals, the support of our partners in the mortgage industry and most importantly, the hard work and sacrifice of our veterans have made this possible," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "VA is making good on its promise to help veterans buy homes, and Veterans are achieving their dreams."
Currently, about 1.3 million active home loans were obtained using VA's Home Loan Guaranty Program.
The program makes home ownership more affordable for veterans, active-duty members, and some surviving spouses by protecting lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan.
More than 90 percent of VA-guaranteed loans are made without a down payment.
Despite this, VA has the lowest serious delinquency rate in the industry, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Furthermore, VA's percentage of loans in foreclosure is the lowest of all measured loan types-lower even than prime loans, which require high credit scores and a 20 percent down payment by the borrower.
Much of the program's strength stems from the efforts of VA employees and loan servicers nationwide, whose primary mission is to help veterans stay in their homes, avoid foreclosure and protect their credit lines from the consequences of a foreclosure, Shinseki said.
Depending on the situation, VA's loan specialists can intervene on a veteran's behalf to help pursue home-retention options such as repayment plans, loan modifications and forbearance.
Additionally, under certain circumstances, VA can refund a loan, which involves purchasing the loan from the mortgage company and modifying the terms so the veteran can afford the new mortgage payment.
Since 1944, when home-loan guarantees were offered under the original GI Bill, through the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, VA has guaranteed more than 18.7 million home loans worth $1.04 trillion.
To obtain more information about the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, Veterans can call VA at 1-877-827-3702.
Information can also be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov .
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- Written by: Genevieve Snow
MOAA's meeting/luncheon is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Zino's Restaurant on Soda Bay Road.
According to the chapter's commander, Navy Captain Dan Christensen, members will be exchanging gifts at the luncheon.
Other chapter officers are Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Linda Morrison, adjutant; and Army Colonel Dave Hulme, vice commander.
MOAA meets every other month and membership is open to all commissioned officers, active duty, retirees or those who served.
MOAA membership includes a number of support programs for former officers as well as social and community service opportunities.
For further information, contact Capt. Christensen at 707-263-3297.
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- Written by: Editor
It will take place at the High Street Café in Lakeport at 9 a.m.
The menu will be pay as you go.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
KELSEYVILLE – Employees of the Kelseyville Fire Protection District invite the community to help them support our troops.
The Kelseyville Fire Station has become the newest “drop zone” and is hosting a barrel for donations to Operation Tango Mike.
During a discussion about an upcoming gift exchange, the spirit of giving and the holidays, the employees decided they wanted to support Operation Tango Mike and our troops far from home this Christmas.
In fact, one employee asked that in lieu of a gift, the person drawing her name should donate to the local troop support effort.
Chief Mike Stone said he and his crew are proud to host the donation barrel and hope people will be generous this holiday season.
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- Written by: Editor
“By hearing directly from veterans and their family members, we gain valuable information to help us serve them better. We hope those who receive the survey will respond to it," Secretary Shinseki said.
In addition to assessing awareness levels, the National Survey of Veterans will collect important health care, benefits, employment, and demographic information that VA will use to inform policy decisions and improve benefits.
Recognizing a broader client base than just veterans, this is the first time VA has included others, such as veteran family members, in its survey population.
VA is mailing out survey "screeners" to more than 130,000 households to identify potential survey participants. The screener asks if anyone in the household is a member of one of the identified survey groups – veterans, family members and survivors, active duty, Guard or Reserve members. Eligible survey participants then may be requested to participate in a full-length survey.
Participants will be able to select a preferred survey method: through U.S. mail, telephone or a password-protected Internet address. VA expects approximately 10,000 veterans to complete the full-length survey.
This is the sixth VA National Survey of Veterans since 1978. The information collected will help VA in its efforts to design and conduct outreach to veterans.
In addition, it will provide a clearer picture of the veteran population's characteristics to help evaluate existing programs and policies and measure their impact.
The data collection is expected to be finished by the end of February and the final report released by December 2010.
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- Written by: Editor
This meeting will be the fifth holiday meeting in the history of the chapter.
The potluck dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the general meeting will follow at 7 p.m.
Topics of discussion will include Christmas projects and future chapter events.
Chapter 951 meets at St. Mary Immaculate Church Parish Hall, located at 801 N. Main St. Lakeport.
All veterans and their families and friends are welcome.
Information and a video memorial of the "Moving Wall" in Lakeport can be found at the Chapter 951 web site, www.vva951.org .
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- Written by: Editor
SAN ANTONIO – Air Force Airman Thomas J. Sheffer graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Sheffer is a 2007 graduate of Middleton High School.
He is the son of Julie Sheffer of Middleton.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
A few of the most recent communications to Operation Tango Mike remind us all of the importance of supporting our troops and their families.
“Operation Tango Mike, Lake County people are so friendly! Must be why I fell for my Kelseyville, CA husband. Every month we get the box of goodies and letters that you send and I just want to write and tell you how much we appreciate it. Every box is like a little bit of Christmas. We have 5 more months out here before we head back home and I can almost start counting down by the clockwork boxes you send. Thanks again for all the support you give me, my husband and other fellow soldiers for serving. With care, SSG Tristan Ambrozewski and SGT Hannah Ambrozewski.”
“Thank you for the packages and letters. Please extend my thank yous to all the others that partake in this. As you may have seen, my address has been updated. If you don’t know I went to Lower Lake High for 10th and 11th grade and lived in Clearlake Oaks and Cobb Mountain. I have been wanting to make a trip up to the area for quite some time now, but that is easier said than done. Take care and God bless. Your friend, Matthew Sampson.” (Matthew Sampson is a United States Marine.)
The following is from a local Army mom: “Hi and thanks for all you do. Jacob received his Tango Mike box and wanted me to thank you for the wonderful luxuries he received. He is paired up with an agent from Poland (Jake is in a NATO unit, not with many Americans) and the Polish soldier was awed by the support from home. Isn’t that neat? Thank you all from the bottom of this Soldier’s mom heart. Debbie Bridges.”
The following is from an Army mom anticipating a long awaited reunion: “Hi! It is with great pleasure, anticipation, tears of joy and much appreciation for all your hard work, that I can say the 149th EOD unit is coming home the first week of December. They have asked to be removed from the packing list as they will be on their way home about the time the packages would arrive. They will be forever grateful for everyone’s part in the packages to them. They were so delighted every month when the packages arrived, filled with goodies, (especially the trail mix), needed supplies and well wishes from home. It was truly something they shared with one another and looked forward to. They will be wearing their OTM shirts proudly around Fort Carson. Again, thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. Suzie Defrancisci, proud Army mom of SFC Chuck Cossette.”
“I wanted to say thanks. I received the box on Sunday. My Soldiers have already went through a few times. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!
Can I add one more name? The look on her face when my box came in, was like the little puppy that didn’t get picked.” CW3 Colin Bergstrom.”
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the continued support you have shown me and my unit. We greatly enjoy your care packages, goodies, cards and letters. We’re coming up on month 10 of our yearlong deployment and with the holidays right around the corner, knowing that people back home, even complete strangers, are keeping us in their thoughts is very comforting. We truly appreciate everything. I hope all is well back home and thanks again. 1st Lt Margaret Seymour.”
“Operation Tango Mike, I would like to thank you for all your support during my deployment. I looked forward to receiving your packages every month! I returned to Oahu in the early morning on November 7th and let me tell you it was great to be back! Although it was raining, you have no idea how happy I was to be in warm weather!
The deployment was rough, but it would have been a lot harder without such caring individuals as those participating in Operation Tango Mike. Your packages gave me something to look forward to. I never knew what I would be getting in my packages which made it half the fun!
I am hoping to return to Lake County during my leave block for a visit in December. Hopefully I will be home during one of your meetings so I can make a point to stop by and express my thanks in person.
Again, thank you to all who participate in Operation Tango Mike! I think I speak for all troop[s when saying you have made a big difference in our lives and have helped give us hope during deployments.
With Sincere Thanks, Sergeant Courtney T. Dingwall, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Fox Company.”
No one expects to be thanked for the simple act of sending care packages. However, these notes from troops and their families remind us that little things really do mean a lot.
Ginny Craven is the founder of Operation Tango Mike. Visit the group online at http://home.mchsi.com/~operationtangomike/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html .
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- Written by: Editor
CLEARLAKE – The Clearlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2337 will hold a fundraising barbecue on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The fundraiser will benefit Operation Tango Mike, which provides care packages and support to our troops. Come show your support!
Barbecue tri-tip and sides will be served starting at 1 p.m.
Tickets are available for $8 at the VFW.
Call 707-994-4748 for details.
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