First Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 17, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Noble House
14630 Noble Avenue
San Jose, CA 95132
680, exit Berryessa Road- east
Berryessa Road to Piedmont Road- turn right
Left on Noble Avenue
Monday, October 8, 2012
VSSA hosts its First Annual Holiday Craft Fair
First Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 17, 2012
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Noble House
14630 Noble Avenue
San Jose, CA 95132
680, exit Berryessa Road- east
Berryessa Road to Piedmont Road- turn right
Left on Noble Avenue
VSSA is an official partner for this year's National Veteran's Day Run
VSSA has partnered with Heavenly Racing for this year's National Veterans Day Run.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Guadalupe River Park and Gardens
438 Coleman Avenue
San Jose, CA 95110
This race will feature an 11k and 1-mile charity walk for our veterans. The 1-mile walk will start immediately following the start of the 11k. The 11k will be professionally timed, using state-of-the-art Chronotrak timing systems. All runners/walkers will receive the following:
* Race Goodie bag at packet pickup
* Pre-race ceremony honoring our veterans
* Professional Chronotrack timing for the 11k
* Commemoritive finisher's pin - all participants
* 11K finisher's medal
* Finisher's Certificate
* Finish-line refreshments
Sunday, November 11, 2012
7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Guadalupe River Park and Gardens
438 Coleman Avenue
San Jose, CA 95110
This race will feature an 11k and 1-mile charity walk for our veterans. The 1-mile walk will start immediately following the start of the 11k. The 11k will be professionally timed, using state-of-the-art Chronotrak timing systems. All runners/walkers will receive the following:
* Race Goodie bag at packet pickup
* Pre-race ceremony honoring our veterans
* Professional Chronotrack timing for the 11k
* Commemoritive finisher's pin - all participants
* 11K finisher's medal
* Finisher's Certificate
* Finish-line refreshments
Friday, September 7, 2012
How to Deal with Mesothelioma as a Veteran
How to Deal with Mesothelioma as a Veteran
Written by Guest Blogger, Doug Karr
The truth can be scary, but veterans are at greater risk for developing mesothelioma than most other people. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lungs. This is often caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, which is currently the only known cause for mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in a variety of things, from walls to floors and other applications where you are either stationed or living. The problem with mesothelioma is that it is an incredibly aggressive cancer and is often diagnosed too late for the patient to receive any form of treatment.
The main reason that veterans have a higher risk for developing this cancer is simply because the military has been known to use asbestos in many different applications. This is due to the fact that it is resistant to fire, making it ideal for ships and stations. Another thing that many veterans have to take into account is the fact that they may have been stationed in an area overseas where asbestos was plentiful. You and your squad may have been positioned in an old and abandoned building for weeks. Prolonged exposure is the reason why many people develop this form of cancer.
Mesothelioma does not often show itself until it is too late. The beginning stages of this cancer show very few symptoms, making it practically undetectable. It is only when the cancer becomes highly aggressive when most people notice there is a problem. The main issue with mesothelioma is that it is often fatal to those who have it. This is not to say that a person should not give up hope and deny treatment, only your doctor will be able to advise you on what is best for your health and the stage in which your cancer is currently at.
This cancer can be a devastating diagnosis to hear from your healthcare practitioner. One way to keep an eye on your health if you are a veteran is to visit your doctor regularly. Let your doctor know that you are a veteran and may have been exposed to asbestos while in the military. When your doctor knows what to look for, you could have a chance of catching the cancer early on and treating it successfully. Work closely with your doctor to ensure that they are aware of any changes in your health each time that you go for a visit.
If you currently have mesothelioma and were recently diagnosed, you can receive compensation for your suffering. Many veterans who were exposed to asbestos while serving can win a lot of money in court if they work with the right attorney and can prove that the military is where they contracted the cancer. Obviously, you will want to talk more about this with your lawyer to see what they advise you to do. In the majority of cases, you will find that the compensation you receive will come in handy for your loved ones and their own financial stability.
Caring for yourself while dealing with mesothelioma can be difficult, but it is important to treat the cancer the best you can and to follow all of your doctor's orders. There have been patients who have been able to fight mesothelioma and regain their lives back. You can have a similar story if you fight and treat the cancer as best as you possibly can. As a veteran, you are probably used to fighting and standing strong, and this is no different when it comes to the way you were when serving in the military.
It is essential that you visit your doctor regularly and to aggressively seek treatment whenever and wherever possible. You may also want to speak with a lawyer who will be able to discuss the financial and legal aspects to your condition. Mesothelioma is one of the most fatal cancers out there, but you can also prevent it by letting your doctor know that you may have been exposed to asbestos while serving in the military. Be sure to keep your appointments with your doctor and follow the tests that they will run to check for the cancer early on so that they can catch it before it develops.
The truth can be scary, but veterans are at greater risk for developing mesothelioma than most other people. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lungs. This is often caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, which is currently the only known cause for mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in a variety of things, from walls to floors and other applications where you are either stationed or living. The problem with mesothelioma is that it is an incredibly aggressive cancer and is often diagnosed too late for the patient to receive any form of treatment.
The main reason that veterans have a higher risk for developing this cancer is simply because the military has been known to use asbestos in many different applications. This is due to the fact that it is resistant to fire, making it ideal for ships and stations. Another thing that many veterans have to take into account is the fact that they may have been stationed in an area overseas where asbestos was plentiful. You and your squad may have been positioned in an old and abandoned building for weeks. Prolonged exposure is the reason why many people develop this form of cancer.
Mesothelioma does not often show itself until it is too late. The beginning stages of this cancer show very few symptoms, making it practically undetectable. It is only when the cancer becomes highly aggressive when most people notice there is a problem. The main issue with mesothelioma is that it is often fatal to those who have it. This is not to say that a person should not give up hope and deny treatment, only your doctor will be able to advise you on what is best for your health and the stage in which your cancer is currently at.
This cancer can be a devastating diagnosis to hear from your healthcare practitioner. One way to keep an eye on your health if you are a veteran is to visit your doctor regularly. Let your doctor know that you are a veteran and may have been exposed to asbestos while in the military. When your doctor knows what to look for, you could have a chance of catching the cancer early on and treating it successfully. Work closely with your doctor to ensure that they are aware of any changes in your health each time that you go for a visit.
If you currently have mesothelioma and were recently diagnosed, you can receive compensation for your suffering. Many veterans who were exposed to asbestos while serving can win a lot of money in court if they work with the right attorney and can prove that the military is where they contracted the cancer. Obviously, you will want to talk more about this with your lawyer to see what they advise you to do. In the majority of cases, you will find that the compensation you receive will come in handy for your loved ones and their own financial stability.
Caring for yourself while dealing with mesothelioma can be difficult, but it is important to treat the cancer the best you can and to follow all of your doctor's orders. There have been patients who have been able to fight mesothelioma and regain their lives back. You can have a similar story if you fight and treat the cancer as best as you possibly can. As a veteran, you are probably used to fighting and standing strong, and this is no different when it comes to the way you were when serving in the military.
It is essential that you visit your doctor regularly and to aggressively seek treatment whenever and wherever possible. You may also want to speak with a lawyer who will be able to discuss the financial and legal aspects to your condition. Mesothelioma is one of the most fatal cancers out there, but you can also prevent it by letting your doctor know that you may have been exposed to asbestos while serving in the military. Be sure to keep your appointments with your doctor and follow the tests that they will run to check for the cancer early on so that they can catch it before it develops.
Dough Karr is a former Petty Officer Second Class, US Navy
Monday, August 27, 2012
Second Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball- Silent Auction and Door Prizes
Silent Auction Prizes--Be sure to bid at the Ball.
All proceeds benefit VSSA.
- California Academy of Sciences has donated 4 general
admission tickets ($119 value)
- Victoria Yalca of Compliments Hair Salon has donated a hair
cut and style ($55 value) as a door prize and a hair color and style ($120
value) toward our silent auction.
- Julia Tarverdi donated a Mary Kay Goodie
Basket (valued over $170). If you like Mary Kay, check out Julia's site here
- Peet's Rose Garden
donated a Coffee Tour (a year's worth of Peet's coffee) and lots of goodies
(valued over $250). Coffee drinkers unite and bid at the ball.
Door Prizes—remember to buy your raffle tickets. You don’t need to be present to win.
All proceeds benefit VSSA.
- Fore! Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club donated a round of golf for 2 (valued at $58)
- Victoria Yalca of Compliments Hair Salon has donated a hair
cut and style ($55 value) as a door prize and a hair color and style ($120
value) toward our silent auction.
- Camilla M. Mann of EcoChic Designs
has donated 2 pairs of handmade earrings (featuring recycled glass, gemstones
and sterling silver)
- Oakland A's
have donated 2 Plaza Outfield Vouchers to a 2013 regular season home game (restrictions
apply)
- Are you ready for some football? San Jose SaberCats
donated 4 End Zone NonClub Tickets for any 2013 SaberCats Regular Season Home
Game
- San Jose Giants have
donated a 2013 Bonus Book (including 10 General Admission tickets and 1 Family
Pass Ticket- restrictions apply)
- Rodney Takahashi of Ukulele Jams
donated 2 gift certificates for ukulele lessons for a month
- Wax on, wax off. The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf donated 4 tickets to the museum
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Vets' Job Hunt May Be Thwarted By Disability Bias
When Army veteran Justin Claus, 26, of Racine, Wis., goes to
job interviews, he brings along his DD214, a document that serves as proof of
military service. Claus is proud of his service and hopes being a veteran will
give him an edge.
But the document, which basically sums up a military career,
includes the reason it ended. In Claus' case, it reads "disability,
permanent." And that little line Claus says, "comes back to get
ya."
He says when employers ask why he was discharged, he
recounts a parachute accident in 2007 that left him with chronic back and knee
pain.
"I'll tell them what happened and then they're like,
'Oh.' Usually they shortly thereafter end the interview and then I don't hear
anything from them," Claus says.
Claus does not share the fact that he also suffers from
post-traumatic stress disorder but suspects employers assume that any veteran
who served after Sept. 11 has PTSD. He has no proof he's not getting hired
because of his disabilities. But for some jobs, Claus says he just cannot make
sense of the rejection. Read more here
First Lady Announces New Hiring Push For Vets
First lady Michelle Obama chose a naval station in the
electoral battleground of Florida to announce Wednesday that 2,000 businesses
around the country have hired or trained more than 125,000 military veterans
and spouses in the past year, exceeding a White House goal of 100,000 by the
end of next year. Read more here
Challenges Female Vets Face When Coming Home
As more troops return home, the transition can be difficult,
especially for women who served. Services designed to help veterans are not
always equipped to deal with the needs of the nearly 2 million female vets.
Guest host Viviana Hurtado discusses their unique challenges with women involved
in the film, SERVICE: When Women Come
Marching Home. Listen or read more here
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Still need to buy your Veterans Ball tickets?
Live comedy. Live music. Great raffle prizes. Get your tickets here. Please remember to indicate your dinner and salad choices. See you on September 15!
Major General Eldon Regua is 2nd Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball Guest Speaker
Eldon Regua is a Major General in the United States Army
Reserve, serves as Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff (Wartime)
(Individual Mobilization Augmentee) for 8th United States Army headquartered in
Yongsan, Korea,having just completed an assignment as Commanding General, 75th
Mission Command Training Division in Houston, Texas in July 2011. As of 2010,
he was the senior most active, or reserve, non-retired flag or general officer
of Filipino American ethnicity. He is also half Mexican American ethnicity.
Read more about the Major General here
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Classes help veterans translate combat skills into civilian jobs
By Pauline Jelink
July 28, 2012
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. combat troops patrol dusty pathways
in Afghanistan, look for hidden roadside bombs, load and fire mortar shells at
insurgents’ positions. So when they come home, how will that help them land a
civilian job?
That’s the kind of thinking the government wants to change,
both among American employers and members of the armed forces.They can “be a
mercenary,” muses Capt. John Rodriguez, who’ll leave the Army soon after six
years.
In fact, the skills troops use in combat can be useful for
many types of civilian jobs, but employers often don’t understand them and
people leaving the military need help with presenting those skills or
developing new ones.
Rodriguez was attending a recent resume-writing class, part
of the Transition Assistance Program, which is run by the departments of
Defense, Labor and Veteran Affairs to help soldiers, sailors, airmen and
Marines successfully make the transition back to the civilian world.
Some 250,000 service members leave the military each year
and all must attend counseling on finances and other issues whether they served
six years or 26 years, whether they saw the battlefield or not. The White House
said this week that the program is being expanded and improved. Read more here…
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Culinary Adventures with Cam
By Camilla M. Mann
As the weather heats up, most people cook less. I mean, they are still
cooking and serving the same number of meals, usually, but they are
less inclined to want to be in the kitchen. Who can blame them?
School's out, it's stay light later and I'd much rather be playing
catch at the park or on a bike ride with my kids. So, dinner seems to
get more simple during the summer: sandwiches that we can pack for a
beach picnic, something tossed on the grill that can cook while we
splash in the pool, or salads that are easy to toss together at the
last minute.
Here are a few ideas for those quick dinners after a long day of
summer adventuring.... Remember, these are just ideas, use whatever
fish or fruits that you have on hand!
An Appetizer -
Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs
A Main Dish -
Grilled Salmon with Fresh Meyer Lemon Salsa
A Dessert -
Grilled Apricots
As the weather heats up, most people cook less. I mean, they are still
cooking and serving the same number of meals, usually, but they are
less inclined to want to be in the kitchen. Who can blame them?
School's out, it's stay light later and I'd much rather be playing
catch at the park or on a bike ride with my kids. So, dinner seems to
get more simple during the summer: sandwiches that we can pack for a
beach picnic, something tossed on the grill that can cook while we
splash in the pool, or salads that are easy to toss together at the
last minute.
Here are a few ideas for those quick dinners after a long day of
summer adventuring.... Remember, these are just ideas, use whatever
fish or fruits that you have on hand!
An Appetizer -
Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs
A Main Dish -
Grilled Salmon with Fresh Meyer Lemon Salsa
A Dessert -
Grilled Apricots
Dental-care program gives veterans something to smile about
By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
July 15, 2012
SAN DIEGO -- Two dentists and two Navy dental corpsmen are
working on the mouth of John Gardinier, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam
and now lives in Tijuana, Mexico, near the clinic where he can get methadone
for his drug addiction.
"It's no good to have teeth that are rotten,"
Gardinier, 64, had said as he waited to be treated at the dental services area
at the 25th annual Stand Down in San Diego for homeless and hard-luck military
veterans. The relief effort brings together dozens of government agencies,
nonprofits and volunteers to provide veterans with a variety of health and
social services.
Dr. Ben Kim, a volunteer and former Army soldier, and Dr.
Shay Razmi, head of the dental department at Naval Medical Center San Diego, hovered
over Gardinier - aided by dental corpsmen Brock Frost and Joshua Fallick.
Gardinier's remaining teeth show the ravages of age, drug
addiction, smoking and lack of care. The pain from those teeth that are rotten
and those that are worn to the roots had been intense and made it difficult for
Gardinier to eat. Read more here…
Friday, July 6, 2012
Second Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball
Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. (VSSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
charitable organization solely dedicated to providing life enhancing supportive
services to US Armed Forces Veterans and their families.
VSSA is hosting its Second Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball on Saturday, September 15. Proceeds from the Ball will fund VSSA programs and services including these workshops: benefits and compensation; business writing and communication; basic computer skills; resume writing and interviewing skills.
Saturday, September 15
6:30 p.m. to Midnight
~ Entertainment by:
Tyler Hinz
David Nguyen
Brendan Lynch
~ Live music by The Touch Tones
~ 2012 VSSA Scholarship Recipient Announced
~ Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes
San Jose Airport Garden Inn
1740 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit vssainc.org
VSSA is hosting its Second Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball on Saturday, September 15. Proceeds from the Ball will fund VSSA programs and services including these workshops: benefits and compensation; business writing and communication; basic computer skills; resume writing and interviewing skills.
Saturday, September 15
6:30 p.m. to Midnight
~ Entertainment by:
Tyler Hinz
David Nguyen
Brendan Lynch
~ Live music by The Touch Tones
~ 2012 VSSA Scholarship Recipient Announced
~ Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes
San Jose Airport Garden Inn
1740 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit vssainc.org
2012 VSSA Scholarship
Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. Scholarship
Deadline: September 8, 2012
Award Value: $500
Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. (VSSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization solely dedicated to providing life enhancing supportive services to US Armed Forces Veterans and their families.
To be considered eligible for the Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. Scholarship, please:
- Be a resident of Santa Clara County
- Be between the ages of 16 and 20 on September 8, 2012
- Be a child, grandchild or relative of a US Armed Forces Veteran
- Be willing to provide applicant’s relationship to US Armed Forces Veteran, include the Veteran’s Branch of Military Service (*DD214) and years of service with applicant’s contact information (*When sending a copy of the Veteran’s DD214, please black out private information, i.e., Social Security Number.)
- Have at least one full year of post secondary studies remaining at the time of the award
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater
- Provide a copy of official school transcripts
- Provide a resume including extracurricular work or community service (strongly recommended). You can also create a LinkedIn profile and connect with Tito A. Cortez, Executive Director of VSSA.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, employer who can testify to your aptitude for academic scholarship
- Find our Facebook page and ‘like’ us
Finalists will be interviewed by the VSSA Scholarship Selection Committee the week of September 10, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be announced at the Second Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Recipient’s submission and photographs (if present at the Ball) will be posted on-line after the event. All applications must be postmarked and/or received by 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 8, 2012. No late applications will be accepted.
"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States
Essay Question #1:
Explain in 500 words or less what President Kennedy's quote means to you. Note this should not just be stated. You must provide an argument supporting this statement.
Essay Question #2:
Explain in 500 words or less why you think you should be granted the Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. Scholarship.
Every essay must contain three essential elements:
1. The essay must provide a summary statement (in the introductory paragraph). The summary statement must encapsulate the main argument for the paper. It must be clear and coherent, and it must answer the question put forth on the application. 2. The essay must offer supporting evidence. The writer must provide the supporting evidence in paragraph (not “bullet” or list) form. Each paragraph must contain evidence that supports one idea or concept that proves the summary statement. The writer must provide citations (in footnote, endnote, or parenthetical form) for all evidence presented. 3. Every essay must follow basic rules of format and grammar. Every paper must contain a beginning (introductory paragraph), a middle (several supporting paragraphs that comprise the body of the paper), and an end (concluding paragraph). Grammar is vital for essay composition. Sentence fragments, misspellings, and improper punctuation denote a carelessly-written and poorly-conceived paper.
APPLICANT’S CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address City, State, Zip Code
Phone number
Email Address
SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
Current School School Address and Phone Number
Please submit your application by September 8, 2012 to:
2012 VSSA Scholarship
Noble House
14630 Noble Ave
San Jose, CA 95132
Questions? Please contact info@vssainc.org. For more information about VSSA, please visit vssainc.org
Deadline: September 8, 2012
Award Value: $500
Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. (VSSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization solely dedicated to providing life enhancing supportive services to US Armed Forces Veterans and their families.
To be considered eligible for the Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. Scholarship, please:
- Be a resident of Santa Clara County
- Be between the ages of 16 and 20 on September 8, 2012
- Be a child, grandchild or relative of a US Armed Forces Veteran
- Be willing to provide applicant’s relationship to US Armed Forces Veteran, include the Veteran’s Branch of Military Service (*DD214) and years of service with applicant’s contact information (*When sending a copy of the Veteran’s DD214, please black out private information, i.e., Social Security Number.)
- Have at least one full year of post secondary studies remaining at the time of the award
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater
- Provide a copy of official school transcripts
- Provide a resume including extracurricular work or community service (strongly recommended). You can also create a LinkedIn profile and connect with Tito A. Cortez, Executive Director of VSSA.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, employer who can testify to your aptitude for academic scholarship
- Find our Facebook page and ‘like’ us
Finalists will be interviewed by the VSSA Scholarship Selection Committee the week of September 10, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be announced at the Second Annual Silicon Valley Veterans Ball on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Recipient’s submission and photographs (if present at the Ball) will be posted on-line after the event. All applications must be postmarked and/or received by 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 8, 2012. No late applications will be accepted.
"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States
Essay Question #1:
Explain in 500 words or less what President Kennedy's quote means to you. Note this should not just be stated. You must provide an argument supporting this statement.
Essay Question #2:
Explain in 500 words or less why you think you should be granted the Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc. Scholarship.
Every essay must contain three essential elements:
1. The essay must provide a summary statement (in the introductory paragraph). The summary statement must encapsulate the main argument for the paper. It must be clear and coherent, and it must answer the question put forth on the application. 2. The essay must offer supporting evidence. The writer must provide the supporting evidence in paragraph (not “bullet” or list) form. Each paragraph must contain evidence that supports one idea or concept that proves the summary statement. The writer must provide citations (in footnote, endnote, or parenthetical form) for all evidence presented. 3. Every essay must follow basic rules of format and grammar. Every paper must contain a beginning (introductory paragraph), a middle (several supporting paragraphs that comprise the body of the paper), and an end (concluding paragraph). Grammar is vital for essay composition. Sentence fragments, misspellings, and improper punctuation denote a carelessly-written and poorly-conceived paper.
APPLICANT’S CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Address City, State, Zip Code
Phone number
Email Address
SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
Current School School Address and Phone Number
Please submit your application by September 8, 2012 to:
2012 VSSA Scholarship
Noble House
14630 Noble Ave
San Jose, CA 95132
Questions? Please contact info@vssainc.org. For more information about VSSA, please visit vssainc.org
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