MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH 2024

(Reprinted with permission from military.com)

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show their appreciation for troops past and present.  It serves as a reminder of the profound contributions made by service members.

Six Primary Military Appreciation Month Observances & Events

Loyalty Day
Date: Monday, May 1, 2024
About: Loyalty Day kicks off our Nation’s month-long military appreciation celebration. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)
Date: Sunday, May 5 – Saturday, May 11, 2024. Celebrated the first full week in May.
About: A time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world.

Victory in Europe Day AKA V-E Day or VE Day
Date: Monday, May 8^th, 2024
About: May 8^th, 1945 is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Date: Friday, May 10th, 2024. Traditionally set for the Friday before Mother’s Day.
About: A day to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Recognizes the important role our military families play in keeping our Armed Forces strong and our country safe.

Armed Forces Day
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024. Celebrated on the third Saturday in May every year.
About: A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.  This day honors everyone serving in the U.S. Military branches; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Space Force. There is also Armed Forces Week which typically leads up to Armed Forces Day. Although it is not an official observance, many activities are planned nonetheless during the week.

Memorial Day
Date: Monday, May 27, 2024. A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
About: A remembrance of our veterans.  Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service. All Americans are encouraged to pause, wherever they are, at 3:00 pm local time for a minute of silence.

Additional Military Appreciation Month Recognitions

Month of the Military Caregiver
Date: Month of May
About: Honors more than five million caregivers in the U.S. and pays tribute to the people who care for more than two million veterans.

Silver Star Service Banner Day
Date: Monday, May 1, 2024
About: Recognizes those who have been awarded The Silver Star Medal, and remembers the sacrifices of our wounded and ill veterans.

National Day of Prayer
Date: Thursday, May 4, 2024
About: The day is non-sectarian /non-partisan, meaning that western religions such as Judaism, American Christianity, and other familiar faiths may be represented (by attendance) alongside Wicca, Unitarian Universalism, and non-western traditions such as Buddhism, Islam, and others. No specific belief is intended to be promoted above another.

Children of Fallen Patriots Day
Date: Saturday, May 13,  2024
About: Honors and raises awareness of the sacrifices and struggles the children of fallen patriots must endure in the wake of their parents’ death.

God bless the United States of America and our long line of proud servicemembers- active duty, retired, veterans- those past and those future. Stay safe, always.

National Police Week 2024

National Police Week Schedule

National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

HISTORY
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital each year.The National Peace Officers Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and seminars sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world. This provides a unique opportunity to meet others who work in law enforcement. In that spirit, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 sponsors receptions each afternoon and evening during Police Week. These events are open to all law enforcement personnel and are an experience unlike any other.

A Police Officer’s Prayer

Oh Almighty God,
Whose Great Power and Eternal Wisdom Embraces the Universe,
Watch Over All Policemen and Law Enforcement Officers.
Protect Them from Harm in the Performance of Their Duty to Stop Crime, Robberies, Riots, and Violence.
We Pray,
Help Them Keep Our Streets and Homes Safe Day and Night.
We Recommend Them to Your Loving Care Because Their Duty is Dangerous.
Grant Them Your Unending Strength and Courage in Their Daily Assignments.
Dear God,
Protect These Brave Men and Women,
Grant Them Your Almighty Protection,
Unite Them Safely with Their Families After Duty Has Ended.
Amen.

We ask for the protection of His Grace for all of our police and peace officers. Be safe.

The Bahamas and Jamaica Added to 2024 Travel Advisories

February 15, 2024

For our traveling veterans, active duty servicemembers (military and police) and families, please check the travel advisories for your foreign destination(s) with the U.S. Department of State. With the current heightened level of global strife, take every precaution to know the conditions in your country of travel, and very importantly, let our government know where you are abroad, and our overseas embassy locations. Be smart; be safe.

The U.S. State Department regularly updates travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally. Levels depend on risk factors such as health, terrorism, and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there. 

As of February 5, 2024, the following countries have a Level 3 “Reconsider travel” advisory warning: 

Burundi, Chad, Columbia, Congo, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guinea. 

The Bahamas also has a travel advisory due to gang violence, which includes burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults. 

2024 Travel Advisory Update: (Click on links for comprehensive warning details.)

South Africa Travel Advisory 

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution  February 5, 2024

Ecuador Travel Advisory

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution  February 2, 2024

Lebanon Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel January 29, 2024

The Bahamas Travel Advisory

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution  January 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel  January 24, 2024

Jamaica Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel  January 23, 2024

Burma (Myanmar)

Level 4: Do Not Travel  January 22, 2024

Papua New Guinea Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel January 17, 2024

Iran Travel Advisory

Level 4: Do Not Travel  January 11, 2024

Nicaragua Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel  January 11, 2024

Niger Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel  January 8, 2024

Cuba Travel Advisory

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution  January 5, 2024

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory

Level: Other  January 3, 2024

Colombia Travel Advisory

Level 3: Reconsider Travel  January 2, 2024

You can receive updated travel advisories and alerts at the U.S. State Department.

For the current State Department map listing U.S. embassies, consular agents, consular generals, consulate, consulate sections and U.S. Protecting Power: Map

Stay informed when traveling outside of the U.S.

BNI Operatives: Situationally aware.

As always, stay safe.

Welcome, 2024

Dear veterans and police officers, as we welcome the New Year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to keeping our communities safe and protecting our freedoms. Your unwavering commitment to duty and honor is an inspiration to us all. May the coming year bring you continued strength, resilience, and moments of peace and joy. Thank you for your service, and may the New Year be filled with blessings and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Happy New Year! Lina

Happy Thanksgiving to all the veterans and law enforcement officers.  

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude and appreciation, and it’s important to remember and honor the veterans and law enforcement officers who serve/ have served our  country. Their dedication and sacrifice deserve our recognition and thanks and should be on the top of the list of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and every day

Announcing Our Latest Initiative For At-Risk Veterans, VALOR

The VALOR Initiative

Veterans Day November 11, 2023

This Veterans Day, with so many conflicts around the world, veterans stand more alert than ever.

But let’s go back to basics <pun absolutely intended> What does it mean to be a veteran?

Our friends at CVO (Coalition of Veterans Organizations) sum it up perfectly:

“Being a U.S. military veteran also means you were willing to fight and die in service to this country. It meant being separated from friends, family and loved ones. It meant risking life and limb and potential (permanent) injury, either to complete a mission, help your buddies fighting alongside you or just in doing what you were supposed to do. It meant you took an oath to ‘Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States’… and lived up to your part of the bargain.”

On this Veterans Day, November 11, 2023, and every day, we wish our veterans well- and to stay safe.

And if you ever need help, or just to connect, reach out to us, or to me personally, lmaini@myvpaa.org

Lina

We Stand With The NYPD and All Police Officers

November 11, 2023

Unequivocally, the VPAA stands with our police officers, especially during these divisive times of unrest. Just a note: When our elected officials are doxxed and or threatened, it’s a crime. Shouldn’t the same hold for our law enforcement officers?

FTA:

Lefty NYC activist posts ‘wanted’ posters of cops mimicking Israeli hostage fliers

Cop haters in the East Village have been posting “wanted” posters with pictures of New York’s Finest.

In recent weeks, red, white and black signs have been spotted on traffic-sensor boxes and fences putting the identities of 9th Precinct cops on blast, along with QR codes linking to their disciplinary records. 

“Wanted for crimes against our neighbors,” declare the posters, which are similar in style to the fliers around town showing Israeli hostages, alongside officers’ names and photos.

An advocate who was hanging the brazen fliers on a wrought-iron fence at the corner of East 9th Street and 1st Avenue this week claimed the signs were to protest police crackdowns of homeless encampments.

“There’s two officers on the fliers and one of them has been just harassing this encampment, taking things very personally,” said the advocate, who refused to give his name.

Several of fliers assailed one of the officers as a “war criminal who profits off pain,” while others called a lieutenant “physically abusive” and claimed he “lies to cover up crimes.”

A third flier ripped into Mayor Eric Adams.

Additional “wanted” fliers have been spotted around Bushwick in Brooklyn knocking 83rd Precinct cops for allegedly spewing racial slurs and assaulting New Yorkers in their homes.

Members of the law enforcement community slammed the billings as threats.

“The local neighborhood kook, he’s sitting there, he’s seeing these posters, and that guy will self-radicalize,” said retired NYPD Sgt. Pete Pannucio. “It’s that one guy out of a million that will go after these cops.”

Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa said the anti-cop crowd has a right to free speech, but warned that the fliers will ultimately have a chilling effect on the force’s morale. 

“They’re using this as a tool to try and handcuff the cops,” Sliwa said.

Memorial Day 2023

May 29, 2023

In honor of Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, son of our VPAA Ambassador, Gold Star Mother Lee Ann Smith.

Where no words exist to describe the gratitude of a nation for your service and ultimate sacrifice, Andrew, our heads are bowed in acknowledgment of your extraordinary duty to the cause of freedom. Rest in eternal peace, Hero.

Welcoming 2023

December 30, 2022

As we usher in 2023 this weekend, it is our wish that our honored and precious veterans, servicemembers and police officers enjoy a new year full of promise, hope, happiness, prosperity and good health.

As we continue to flourish and grow, and our capacity to serve more members of the veteran, military and law enforcement communties, we will be announcing the numerous upgrades we’ve made to our resource offerings. Keep an eye on this space and your email for these announcements.

Have a happy and safe New Year!

Lina, Bill, Lee Ann and the entire VPAA team

A Thanksgiving Miracle

Nov. 23, 2022

Maj. Harry M. Trafford, Jr. and Mrs. Edith Trafford Are Put To Final Rest At Arlington National Cemetery

Yesterday, November 22, 2022, was a very special day for me, the VPAA, and more importantly, for a veteran family we’ve worked with.

Many of you might recall our news release several months ago wherein war hero Major Harry Trafford was finally posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his life-saving heroic actions on the field of combat during World War II, incurring severe injuries, resulting in life-long health issues. Nonetheless, among his many latter civilian successes, Major Trafford went on to found the Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida- continuously operating as a pk-12 academy for over 50 years now and going stronger than ever.

Our involvement, through what eventually became our nonprofit organization, the VPAA- the Veterans and Police Assistance Agency- began four years ago when I was asked by a friend to look into obtaining the Purple Heart award that his father, Harry Trafford, had been denied for over 60 years. The official excuse was that there was no record of his heroic actions – despite the evidence of Germans shelling his vehicle- he returned fire, and, albeit badly injured managed to not let combat plans fall into enemy hands, saved his driver (and Harry had two broken legs, internal injuries, etc.) and later went on to rescue an occupied field hospital from German assault.

Someday I’d like to publish – with the family’s permission, Harry’s Story – an autobiographical account of the war that Harry fortunately left behind. Once I read those pages, I was hooked. Written so that the reader is immediately drawn in. I enlisted with Harry, I went to OCS with Harry, I was in the Battle of the Ardennes, I watched Harry get up from his hospital bed in that field hospital that was experiencing heavy shelling, get into his Piper Cub (self-trained pilot), fly back and provide his unit with the enemy’s coordinates, saving the lives of the hospital staff and that of the patients. Harry’s Story, as I alluded to earlier does not end with WWII- in fact, new chapters are still being written. (Will explain at a later date.)

The Purple Heart award, aside from being clearly deserved by Major Trafford, also entitled the Major and his amazing wife, Edith Trafford (whom I had the extraordinary honor of meeting), to be placed in eternal rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

We achieved the Purple Heart for Major Harry Trafford; a huge thank you to his son, Robert Trafford, for entrusting us with this sacred mission, and yesterday, Major Harry Morton Trafford, Jr. and his wife, Edith Jackson Trafford, were transported from Georgia National Cemetery and laid to final rest, with all due honors, at Arlington National Cemetery.

Yesterday, November 22, 2022, was a momentous day for the Trafford family and also for the VPAA. The Veterans and Police Assistance Agency is still young but each step forward clarifies our raison d’etre- to bring successful, if hard fought, results like this to more veteran and police families.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we here at the VPAA are thankful for our purpose-filled lives. There can be no greater gift.

I’m thankful for my partner, Bill Janczewski- whose unflagging dedication, willpower and determination re-energized us all when most needed, and our volunteer team members- all of whom worked ceaselessly, selflessly and with never a doubt that we would bring this hero and his as-deserved wife home to eternal rest at ANC. A special thanks to our Ambassador at Large, Lee Smith, my dear friend, and a member of an exclusive club that no one asks for membership in. Lee is a Gold Star mother. Her strength buoyed us when the fight got hard, really hard. We will always remember your son, Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin- resting surely now with the finest of Heaven’s angels.

Much more to come in the days, weeks and months ahead- keep an eye on this page for updates as developments occur in many on the matters we’ve undertaken for our veterans, police officers and their lvoed ones!

I wish you all the very Happy Thanksgiving, and please remember to say a silent prayer for those whose actions have made it possible for us to enjoy our bounty in this glorious nation of ours.

– LIna M. Maini

VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11, 2022

It is with a deep and shared sense of honor that we salute all our veterans- today and every day. God bless our veterans and God bless America.

July 4, 2022 by Lina M. Maini

It’s the July 4th weekend, Independence Day here in the United States.  Regardless of where you call home around our globe, this is the day to recognize the unique freedoms and opportunities that exist in the U.S. as nowhere else in the world.

These freedoms, liberties and virtually limitless opportunities that we enjoy didn’t come about effortlessly. The history of America’s struggle for independence after centuries of foreign rule is well known.

The founders of America led with classic leadership traits of sheer determination, unshakeable perseverance and an unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom that meant risking everything.  Famous Declaration of Independence signer, John Hancock, during one of the formative Continental Congress meetings, referring to the various states, reminded the gathered group of patriotic founders that they must all hang together.  Astute and characteristically ascerbic, Benjamin Franklin responded with one of his classic quotes: “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”  Leadership, at that point in our history, meant risking it all.

I still believe, perhaps more strongly than ever today because we exist in times of expanding communism and predatory war, that the United States of America is not only an exceptional country but one with limitless potential to realize the concept as originally imagined- a land of innate and codified freedoms, and one where individual liberties must be the primary consideration. Freedom is not easily attainable, given the human propensity to form governments and ones that eventually tip the balance of power away from the individual. But anything worth having is worth fighting for- requiring strong, dedicated leadership, and very importantly, those willing to engage in a fight that lasts until the objectives are achieved.

As we enjoy the freedom to congregate and exchange our diverse viewpoints among family, friends and community this Independence weekend, let’s take a moment to thank those who stand willing and prepared to preserve our liberty. The freedoms celebrated in the United States of America today are preserved by those who have given, and those who are willing to give, their very lives for ours. God bless our defenders- our military servicemembers (those who’ve passed on, veteran and active duty) and our law enforcment officers.

On a personal note, as I write this article, I think of my own very American story. As the daughter of immigrants, the last of seven siblings and the only one born here in the United States, when I asked my father why he and my mother decided to emigrate to America- my father responded, “Why else would I leave everything and everyone I’ve ever know but to give my family its best chance at freedom, happiness and opportunity?” That is the promise of America and it delivers; our job is to preserve this declaration of human rights. Wishing you all a happy, safe and joyous Independence Day! – Lina M. Maini. Co-founder, VPAA

“The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.” –Thomas Jefferson

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” –Ben Franklin

“Freedom is never given, it is won.” –A Philip Randolph

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” –William Faulkner

“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” –Albert Camus

Happy 246th Birthday of Independence, the United States of America!

Please bear with us as we continue to update our site, with improvements and new modules suggested by our veterans. We’re updating information, bringing developing stories of interest to our veteran and law enforcement communities and offering opportunities to join the VPAA in its mission, accessing corporate and other civilian resources for our veterans and police officers. Watch us grow daily on our site!

(If you are a veteran or police officer in need of assistance, please call us directly at 516-434-1644 or email situationroom@myvpaa.org. We are on call 24/7, 365. Ask for Lina Maini or Bill Janczewski.)

Memorial Day, May 30, 2022

Airborne Hazards And Open Burn Pit Registry

April 30, 2022

From the VA:

(As of 11/02/2021: For your security, a DS Logon credential is required for the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry as it accesses your VA Electronic Health Record. Learn more.)

If you are a Veteran or Servicemember who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations after August 2, 1990, or in Djibouti, Africa or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, you are eligible to participate in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.

For instructions to save an icon to your home screen visit https://mobile.va.gov/saving-va-mobile-app-home-screen.

The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is an online database of health information from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) or 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans and Servicemembers collected through a questionnaire about exposures to airborne hazards. The Registry will help you become more aware of your own potential health issues and help VA better understand the potential health effects of deployment-related exposures.

By enrolling in the Registry, you can create a snapshot from which to identify changes in your health, print your completed questionnaire, use it to discuss concerns with your provider and learn about follow-up care.

Some Veterans and Servicemembers may experience difficulties receiving accurate deployment information within the registry if they deployed during the following timeframes:

• After 1991, but before September 11, 2001
• If you have recently returned from deployment within the last 60 days

If you are a Veteran or Servicemember experiencing difficulties receiving the correct deployment information and have deployed during the outlined deployment periods stated above, we ask for your patience while we continue to address technical approaches to solving any challenges.

– VA

FEATURES

• Review additional information about burn pits and health care resources
• Review your completed questionnaire with information about your exposures to airborne hazards (such as smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires, or pollution during deployment) as well as other exposures and health concerns
• Print or download your completed questionnaire

If you are having difficulty accessing the VA registry, please contact us: 347.443.1737 or by email: situationroom@myvpaa.org.

Rest in Eternal Peace, NYC Police Detective Jason Rivera

January 28, 2022

Slain NYPD Police Officer Jason Rivera’s wife, Dominque, just delivered one of the most powerful eulogies I’ve ever heard. At the age of only 20 herself, she poignantly recalled her last day with Jason- step by step… the usual day between a very young, married couple… including that they had had a fight and she decided to take an Uber home. He asked her if she was sure as “It may be the last ride I ever give you”. The last exchange between them. This took incredible strength for her to tell us.

She recounted their story of being high-school sweethearts (which was only several years ago for them) and how they were together from elementary school on. How he had always wanted and worked to become one of the Finest. How she was proud of him and gave us true insight into what it is like to be a cop’s spouse, especially since they’d known their destiny since childhood. Then she told us about getting “the call” that day… going to the hospital, Jason lying there, unresponsive. Albeit surrounded by dozens of cops, doctors, etc., feeling so alone… so broken…

Dominque closed by directly calling out progressive Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. The quiet force in her statement hit home harder than any raucous protest ever could. “This system continues to fail us. We are not safe anymore, not even the members of the service. I know you [Jason] were tired of these laws, especially the ones from the new DA. I hope he’s watching you speak through me right now”. The entire church stood up and gave her a standing ovation. Respectfully but powerfully.

Dominque broke our hearts.

God bless, heal and protect this family and all of our law enforcement officers and their loved ones.

Lina M. Maini, CEO, VPAA

Merry Christmas 2021!

December 24, 2021

Wishing our veterans, active duty servicemembers and police officers a warm, merry and safe Christmas. Thanks to your sacrifices and those of your loved ones, we are able to celebrate a peaceful holiday season in our homes. With special gratitude also to those of you who cannot be in your own homes on this holiday. Our nation is in debt to you. A blessed holiday to you all, Lina

November 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving to our veterans, active duty servicemembers and law enforcement officers. We give thanks today, and every day, for your dedicated service. Thank you. Have a happy and safe holiday!

Telegram: The Ability To Permanently Delete Texts On Both Ends & Deploy A Self-Destruct Timer

October 19, 2021

Virtually every day we read about a politician, a CEO or  who’s become legally jammed up – sometimes criminally –  based on their statements in text, email or other electronic communication method.  Anyone with a pulse and access to a smartphone or laptop at this point believes that “everything” is stored in perpetuity “somewhere”.

Well, along comes a messaging app like no other, Telegram – ushering in a new era of safe messaging that you absolutely control.  Let’s get right to Telegram’s benefits:

Why switch to Telegram?

Private

Telegram messages are heavily encrypted and can self-destruct.

Cloud-Based

Telegram lets you access your messages from multiple devices.

Fast

Telegram delivers messages faster than any other application.

Distributed

Telegram servers are spread worldwide for security and speed.

Open

Telegram has an open API and protocol free for everyone.

Free

Telegram is free forever. No ads. No subscription fees.

Secure

Telegram keeps your messages safe from hacker attacks.

Powerful

Telegram has no limits on the size of your media and chats.

What can you do with Telegram?

Connect

from most remote locations.

Message Delete Control

wherein you can permanently delete message on both ends – yours and that of your recipient.

Coordinate

groups of up to 100000 members.

Synchronize

your chats across all your devices.

Send

documents and graphic content of any type.

Encrypt

personal and business secrets.

Destruct

your messages with a timer.

Store

your media in the cloud.

Build

your own tools on our API.

Available

on every native platform (web version, macOS, PC, MAC, Linux).

================================================

We’ve used Telegram ourselves for quite a while now and will use no other messaging service.  Our favorite features are the ability to permanently delete texts on both ends (sender/recipient), the text self-destruct timer (which can be set anywhere from one second to one year or more) and the end to end encryption,  NO COPIES OF YOUR CHAT OR ATTACHMENTS ARE STORED ON ANY SERVERS ANYWHERE.  Another security feature we appreciate is that, in Secret Chat mode, you can’t even screen shot or forward the conversation.  Finally, there’s no file size limit.

BNI Operatives: Situationally aware.

As always, stay safe.

UPDATE ON REAL I.D.

June 20, 2021 by Lina M. Maini

DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline

REAL ID Deadline: May 3, 2023

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months, from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023, due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has significantly impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity.

Your Regular License or State I.D. Will Not Allow You To Fly Starting October, 2021.

April 19, 2021

By October of this year, your standard driver’s license or state-issued I.D. will not allow you to fly commercially.  Since 2006, the federal government has urged (and then, mandated), the transition to Real I.D. for advanced security purposes.

After October 1, 2021, these are the permissions related to commercial flight and federal facilities access for these three types of government photo I.D.s (excluding passports and passport cards- reported on in next week’s Bulletin):

Standard driver’s licenses will not be valid for federal purposes, such as flying commercially or accessing federal buildings and military bases.

Enhanced driver’s licenses will require also require a U.S. Passport for boarding domestic and international flights and entering federal buildings and installations.

Real I.D. will allow immediate access to commercial domestic and foreign flights and all federal buildings and installations.

Getting a REAL ID is not mandatory but is encouraged

A REAL ID is optional and is not needed for the following:

• Being licensed to drive
• Voting or registering to vote
• Entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification
• Applying for or receiving Federal benefits
• Accessing health or life preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings)
• Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations

However, by October 1, 2021, all citizens, legal residents and all other persons working or studying in the U.S. and its territories, and in situations requiring a government i.d., will be required to have a validated enhanced state I.D. or, a fed-state”Real ID”.  Below are the specifics.

What:   The REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, enacted May 11, 2005, is an Act of Congress that modified U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for the state driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.

Data requirements

A Real ID-compliant form of identification requires, at a minimum, the following pieces of data:

• Full legal name
• Signature
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Unique, identifying number
• Principal residence address
• Resident status
• Front-facing photograph of the applicant

Real I.D.s must also feature specific security features intended to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes. These cards must also present data in a common, machine-readable format (bar codes, Smart card technology, etc.).

The law set forth certain requirements for state driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted by the federal government for “official purposes”, as defined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary of Homeland Security has currently defined “official purposes” as presenting state driver’s licenses and identification cards for boarding commercially operated airline flights and entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants.

Each state must agree to share its motor vehicle database with all other states. This database must include, at a minimum, all the data printed on the state drivers’ licenses and ID cards, plus drivers’ histories (including motor vehicle violations, suspensions, and points on licenses) and include resident status.

When: The effective date of the Real ID Act implementation deadline until October 1, 2021.

Why: Doesn’t matter.  It’s federal law.

Please visit www.dhs.gov for more REAL ID info.

Memorial Day, May 31, 2021

MAY 7, 1945 Okinawa. WWll, South Pacific

One of the most heartbreaking photos from the Second World War shows US Marine Colonel Francis Fenton (pictured kneeling) conducting the funeral of his son Private First Class Mike Fenton, near Shuri, Okinawa, May 1945.

Father and son met once during the fighting when their paths crossed at a partially destroyed Okinawan farmhouse. After exchanging news the two family members returned to their work. They would never talk again. On May 7, 1945, while beating back a Japanese counterattack the younger Fenton, 19, was killed.

When his father received the bitter news, he traveled to the site of his son’s death and knelt down to pray over the flag-draped body. Upon arising, Colonel Fenton stared at the bodies of other Marine dead and said: “Those poor souls. They didn’t have their fathers here”

National Police Week, May 9th – May 15th, 2021

May 9, 2021

As we commemorate Nationall Police Week this year, as of the date of this aarticle, we have lost 103 law enforcement officers in the line of duty. There were also 3 Police K-9’s killed. Many in America don’t know their names. Here they are:

Sergeant Gordon William Best

Sergeant Daniel Marcus Mobley

Lieutenant Jeff Bain

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas Howell

Sergeant Randall Sims

Deputy Sheriff Jonathan David Price

Police Officer Jay Hughes

Officer Brian David Sicknick

Sergeant David G. Crumpler

Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard

Police Officer Arturo Villegas

Master Corporal Brian Roy LaVigne

Agent Luis A. Marrero-Díaz

Agent Luis X. Salamán-Conde

Agent Eliezer Hernández-Cartagena

Police Officer Melton “Fox” Gore

Sergeant Frederick H. “Butch” Cameron

Detective Sergeant Stephen R. Desfosses

Chief of Police Tony M. Jordan

Corporal Christine Peters

Constable Sherry Kay Langford

Lieutenant Treva Preston

Corrections Officer IV Alfred Jimenez

Police Officer Jerry Steven Hemphill

Sergeant Edward John Marcurella, Jr.

Lieutenant John Reynolds

Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson

Police Officer Brandon M. Stalker

Warrants Officer Toby Keiser

Deputy Sheriff Jacinto R. Navarro, Jr.

Officer Byron Don Shields

Lieutenant Frank Arnold

Special Agent Wayne Douglas Snyder

Captain Michael D’Angelo Garigan

Lieutenant Juan Rafael Rivera-Padua

Auxiliary Sergeant Louis M. Livatino

Director of Field Operations Beverly Good

Sergeant Tommy W. Cudd

Sergeant Jeffery Robert Smith

Special Agent Robert Allan Mayer, Jr.

Sergeant William Brautigam

Correctional Officer Juan Llanes

Sergeant Grace A. Bellamy

Lieutenant Michael Boutte

Special Agent Laura Ann Schwartzenberger

Special Agent Daniel Alfin

Detention Officer Robert Perez

Agent Juan Rosado-López

Patrolman Darian Jarrott

Detective Pedro Junior “Pete” Mejia

Officer Cesar Dangaran Sibonga

Deputy Sheriff Ross Dixon

Corrections Officer IV Vicky James

Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III

Chief of Police Timothy John Sheehan

Deputy Sheriff Donald Raymond Gilreath, III

Police Officer Mitchell Penton

Officer Genaro Guerrero

Corrections Officer IV Tawiwo Obele

Major Estaban “Stevie” Ramirez, III

Deputy Constable Manuel Phillipe De La Rosa

Sergeant Richard Paul Brown

Deputy Sheriff Michael Magli

Police Officer Horacio Dominguez

Lieutenant Eugene Lasco

Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore

Parole Officer Troy K. Morin

Officer Carlos Mendoza

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Albanese

Reserve Deputy Constable Martinus Mitchum

Police Officer Dominic Jared Winum

Captain Justin Williams Bedwell

Police Officer II Jose Anzora

Corrections Officer III Tracey Adams

Officer Crispin

San Jose Police Officer Jesse Madsen

Sergeant Barry Edwin Henderson

Deputy Sheriff Stanley “Allen” Burdic

Police Officer Gary Hibbs

Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos

Police Officer Kevin Valencia

Sergeant LaShonda Owens

Police Officer Eric Talley

Chief of Police Fred Alan Posavetz

Correctional Officer Robert McFarland

Senior Master Trooper Todd A. Hanneken

Corporal Kyle Jeffrey Davis

Trooper Joseph Gallagher

Sergeant Shane Owens

Reserve Deputy Sheriff James Driver

Trooper Chad Walker

Corrections Officer Luis Arturo Hernandez, Sr.

Police Officer William Evans

Lieutenant James Kouski

Police Officer Brent Nelson HallDeputy

Sheriff Christopher Wilson Knight

Sergeant James K. Smith

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick Barnes

Deputy Sheriff Carlos Antonio Hernandez

Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins

Police Officer David Parde

Constable Edward F. Ryan

K9 Figo

K9 Riley

K9 Luna

Military Appreciation Month

April 29, 2021

Designated in 1999, May is Military Appreciation Month. Thank you to our veteran and active duty family and friends. God bless.

Please click here for veteran and active duty military appreciation benefits.

Vax Passes, Soon To Be Mandatory For Travel

March 30, 2021

The first digital “vaccine passports” for post-pandemic travel have been designed as easy-to-use applications that will one day merge into other travel platforms, like airline apps, their developers say.

Though popularly known as vaccine passports, the apps also include information like Covid-19 test status, and are in trial runs in several places around the world.

Clear, the trusted-traveler program that helps fliers get through airport security more quickly, is testing a Covid-19 test or vaccination-verification app on some flights into Hawaii as part of a pilot program with the state. Clear’s Health Pass app is already being used by some sports leagues and museums to verify the Covid-19 status of ticketholders, the company said.

Other organizations, like the nonprofit Commons Project Foundation and the International Air Transport Association or IATA, are introducing their own apps that also aim to let passengers quickly prove they have had the Covid-19 test or vaccination required to cross a border. The apps would save travelers the trouble of uploading health documents to the immigration website of each destination country.

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Clear, the Commons Project and IATA are just part of a broad group of companies—including large technology firms—developing digital products to let people securely share their negative or vaccinated Covid-19 status for entry into a country, a stadium or another public space.

As many people continue to hit obstacles in trying to schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, the designers of health passes are intent on delivering a smoother experience for the next step.

“We’ve really been focusing on simplicity from Day One,” said Alan Murray Hayden, head of airport, passenger and security products at IATA, which counts American Airlines and Emirates among its members. “So much so, that when I demoed Travel Pass to our senior management, I was terrified they were going to be like, ‘We’ve given you all this money and you’ve only got five or six app screens to show for it’.”

Requirements to prove a vaccinated status or a negative Covid-19 test to enter countries including the Seychelles and Cyprus can lead to longer lines and delays, as airport staff manually verify passengers’ health paperwork. Digital health passes won’t be mandatory for airline passengers, Mr. Murray Hayden said, but their gradual uptake will provide a sort of “herd immunity for queuing” at the airport.

“If we can move 70% of the customers away from checking agents, the checking agents can concentrate on helping those people who don’t have phones, or who aren’t used to the technology,” he said.

Health pass apps aim to guide users through the data-entry process step-by-step and keep the amount of information they need to enter to a bare minimum, partly by investing in functions like passport-chip scanning.

Some, like Clear’s app, also use back-end networks to automatically link a user’s Covid-19 status from their selected vaccine or test center. The technology aims to make the pre-flight experience less stressful for customers, said Caryn Seidman Becker, chairwoman and chief executive officer at Clear, which is operated by Alclear LLC. And pulling a passenger’s Covid-19 status directly from a healthcare provider—rather than having users upload it themselves—may prevent the sharing of fraudulent vaccination certificates or test results, she said.

Users of Clear’s Health Pass, which is built into the company’s main app but available free even to those who don’t pay for Clear, are presented with a QR code to be scanned at the gate once they have linked their account with their test or vaccine information and the airline they are flying with.

CommonPass, the app from the Commons Project, also produces a QR code for scanning at the gate, though it hopes airlines will eventually be able to integrate a passenger’s verified fit-to-fly status into the bar code of their boarding pass.

The Commons Project and IATA said they also plan to offer the architecture of their health passes to developers of other apps, like those of airlines, once the first versions’ user experience has been tested and refined. Clear, meanwhile, is in discussions to embed its Health Pass platform into the apps of its partner companies, Ms. Seidman Becker said.

MORE FROM EXPERIENCE REPORT

Although phrases like “vaccine passport” and “health passport” have become common, CommonPass drew more design inspiration from boarding passes than passports, said Kathryn Tucker, co-founder and chief marketing officer of the nonprofit, whose goal is to build digital products for users often overlooked by big tech companies. The app’s final screen is even shaped like a boarding pass, complete with a digital tear-off slip.

The Commons Project partly wanted its design to show that someone’s Covid-19 test status, still a key use for the apps even as vaccinations rise, reflects a moment in time, she said.

“Unlike a passport, a document with which you have a decadelong relationship, boarding passes come and go, pile up on your phone, and are meant to be more utilitarian,” she said.  “We also like the use of this metaphor to underscore that this is a basic document that’s exchanged between your phone and the airline agent or border agent only.”

COVID Travel Update

January 21, 2021

Update From the U.S. Department of State, January 15, 2021
Effective January 26, 2021

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days​. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recovery for all passengers two years of age and over prior to boarding. ​Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recoveryPlease see CDC’s FAQ for answers to questions about the new requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

As always, stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Benefits To A Veteran Designation On Your Driver’s License- State by State Info

December 03, 2020

A list of states offering veterans designation logos on driver’s licenses and ID cards which now includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. These state programs now make it easier for veterans to receive access to government benefits and discounts at restaurants and retailers, to which they are entitled.

In the past, veterans had to carry their DD214 around to prove veteran status or seek a U.S. Government Veterans ID card which actually for some reason doesn’t exist.

The states require varying proof of veterans status so be sure to check with the DMV before applying.  Many will only require your DD214 but some states require additional documentation or will accept supplemental documentation to a DD214. Some states do not charge for this designation, but others do.

STATE	DRIVER LICENSE DESIGNATION STATUS	DESCRIPTION	OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Alabama	Available	To establish proof of service, a veteran must visit one of the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Driver License examining offices and present a DD-214 form from the U.S. Department of Defense that shows an “honorable” or “general under honorable conditions” status.	Alabama DMV Veterans Designation
Alaska	Available	To receive the designation, a veteran must show the Department of Motor Vehicles a military retiree ID card, DD214, NGB22 or other applicable discharge forms that prove a discharge under honorable conditions.	Alaska Veteran Driver’s License
Arizona	Available	Standard fees apply plus valid veteran designation documentation such as a DD214 must be shown as proof.	Arizona Veteran Driver’s License
Arkansas	Available	Issued to Arkansas residents who request the veterans designation and submit a United States Department of Defense discharge document otherwise known as a DD Form 214 that shows a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions.	Arkansas DMV Veterans’ Designation
California	Available	Eligible veterans have the opportunity to add the word “VETERAN” to the front of their DL/ID card to indicate that they have served in the U.S. Military.	California DMV Veterans Designation
Colorado	Available	Military service members and veterans may request to include a military identifier on their Colorado driver’s license and ID card. Either a valid military identification card (common access card) or a DD214 will be required.	Military Identifier on Colorado Driver’s License
Connecticut	Available	At least 30 days prior to visiting a DMV or AAA office, veterans must submit to the state Department of Veterans Affairs a completed application and proof of honorable discharge, such as a DD-214. The Department of Veterans Affairs will verify the veterans military status and electronically notify DMV of the request prior to the driver’s license or ID card being issued.ÿ	Connecticut Driver’s License Veterans Designation
Delaware	Available	This card is available to any Delaware veteran that served in the U.S. military and was honorably discharged. The cards are free of charge. To obtain the card, veterans must have a valid Delaware driver license or ID card and provide proof of military service.	Veteran Identification (ID) Cards
Florida	Available	Veterans who live in Florida can add a Veteran designation to their Florida driver license (DL) or identification card (ID card) for a one-time fee. The Veteran designation is simply a blue “V” on the bottom right corner of the card. You will need to present your DD-214 or DD-215 which shows you have received an honorable discharge from active duty.	Veterans Designation on FL Driver License
Georgia	Available	Applicant must have honorable active duty service in U.S. Armed Forces, or 20 years of service in National Guard. Original Certificate of Eligibility (DS-516) obtained from the Georgia Department of Veterans Services upon presentation of Armed Forces Separation Papers (DD-214).	Veteran Driver’s License
Hawaii	Available	A veteran designation is available for all Hawaii driver’s licenses, state IDs and instruction permits. Persons who served in any of the uniformed services of the United States and received a discharge other than dishonorable are eligible.	Veteran Driver’s License
Idaho	Available	Veterans who present valid documentation showing proof of honorable discharge from military service will be provided veteran designation on their Idaho Driver’s license or state-issued identification card. There is no charge to add the veteran designation to a new or renewed Idaho driver’s license or identification card.	Veteran Driver’s License
Illinois	Available	U.S. military veterans are able to get an updated driver’s license/ID card with the “VETERAN” under the signature on the front of the card.	Unique distinction on veteran driver’s licenses
Indiana	Available	To purchase a new veterans license plate or driver’s license for the first time, a discharged veteran must present a DD214 (discharge summary) or other military documents issued by the Department of Defense verifying a veterans honorable discharge from the armed forces. Active duty personnel must present a military identification card and a current leave and earnings statement to purchase a license plate.	Veterans designation on driver’s license
Iowa	Available	Iowans must provide proof of veteran status when applying for or renewing their license or non-operator ID	Iowa veterans driver’s license
Kansas	Available	Veterans with an honorable or general discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions now get the word “veteran” printed on their state-issued driver’s licenses and photo ID cards.	Kansas Veteran Driver’s License
Kentucky	Available	The word “VETERAN” will be printed vertically and in capital letters along the right border of the license holder’s photo. To obtain a license with the designation, a veteran must present a DD214, the Department of Defense form that verifies service at the office of the local circuit court clerk, where driver’s licenses are issued.	Veteran Designation on Driver’s License
Louisiana	Available	The State of Louisiana is honoring Veterans by placing the “Veteran” designation on Louisiana driver’s licenses and identification cards. Available through Louisiana State Office of Motor Vehicle locations. Proof of Veteran status required.	Special Veterans Driver’s License Designation
Maine	Available	The designation features a Field of Stars backdrop for the identification photo and is currently available to eligible Maine veterans and military service members at all Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations.	Driver’s Licenses/IDs with Military Service Designation
Maryland	Available	A “Veteran” status will be designated on Maryland Driver’s licenses.	“Veteran” status on drivers licenses
Massachusetts	Available	All Massachusetts residents who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and were honorably discharged can choose to have a Veteran’s Indicator on their Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, Massachusetts ID card, or Liquor ID card. One of the following documents (typed, not handwritten) must be presented: form DD-214, form DD-215, or an Honorable Discharge form.	Veterans driver’s license or ID card
Michigan	Available	A “Veteran” status will be designated on Michigan Driver’s licenses.	Michigan Veteran Driver’s License
Minnesota	Available	A veteran may request the designation of veteran on his or her Minnesota Drivers License & ID card. In order to obtain the designation, the applicant must request the designation; pay the required license or identification card fee; and provide a certified copy of discharge papers.	Designation of veteran on drivers license
Mississippi	Available	There is specific verifying documentation a veteran will have to obtain from officials from the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board before they go to their local driver’s license station to obtain the veterans driver’s license. The process to get the paperwork is simple, but the certification from the Veterans Affairs Board must be presented before the new veterans license can be obtained.	Mississippi Veterans Driver’s License
Missouri	Available	Any veteran of the United States military may choose to obtain the “VETERAN” designation on a Missouri driver or nondriver license. Persons requesting the “VETERAN” designation must submit — at the time of initial request for the driver or nondriver license with the new designation — a United States Department of Defense discharge document (otherwise known as a DD214) which indicates a discharge status of “honorable”, “general”, “under honorable conditions”, or “general under honorable conditions.”	VETERAN designation on a Missouri driver or nondriver license
Montana	Available	Veterans have the option to have the word “Veteran” displayed on the front of a driver license or state – issued identification(ID)card.	Veterans Designation Montana
Nebraska	Available	All veterans can join the veterans’ registry and place the word “Veteran” on your driver license or State ID Card.	Nebraska Veteran Driver’s License
Nevada	Available	Honorably-discharged veterans may have a Veteran designator placed on their license. Present your DD-214 at any DMV office. Visit archives.gov to obtain a copy of your DD-214.	Nevada Veterans Driver’s License
New Hampshire	Available	Veteran with an Honorable Discharge can request to have a Veteran Indicator on their New Hampshire Driver License, Commercial Driver License or Non-Driver ID card for the purposes of identification for receiving benefits and services under New Hampshire law.	New Hampshire Veterans Driver’s License
New Jersey	Available	a special designation has been created for display on a veterans driver’s license or non-driver ID card.	New Jersey Veterans Driver’s License
New Mexico	Available	Available to any honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans will need only to provide their DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty form, Military Retiree, VA Medical ID or National Guard ID card when applying for the designation. There will be no additional cost added to the normal $18 driver’s license renewal or replacement fee. Veterans currently holding a valid driver’s license will have to pay the normal replacement fee if they would like this new veterans’ designation driver’s license.	Veterans Designation Driver’s License
New York	Available	A qualified U.S. military veteran, who was honorably discharged and has a NYS driver’s license, learner permit, or non-driver photo ID card, can have the word “Veteran” printed on a photo document. Acceptable proofs are a form DD-214, or a form DD-215, or if discharged before January 1, 1950, an Honorable Discharge form WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD or NAVCG 553, or an “Enlisted Separation Paper”.	New York driver’s license designation
North Carolina	Available	A military designation for drivers licenses and identification cards that may, upon request, be granted to North Carolina residents who are honorably discharged from military service in the United States Armed Forces. An applicant requesting this designation must produce a Form DD-214 showing the applicant has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.	North Carolina veterans status on drivers license
North Dakota	Available	Military veterans have the option of a special indicator placed on their drivers license. Upon request and with adequate documentation, a letter V indicator can be placed on the face of veterans’ drivers licenses at no additional cost. Adequate veteran or military service documentation for this indicator may be obtained through the Department of Veterans Affairs.	Veteran indicator on driver’s license
Ohio	Available	The stamp, placed on the lower right of the license or ID, provides veterans with recognition of their military service. The stamp is provided at no additional cost when requested at the time a license or ID is renewed, but normal driver’s license fees still apply.	Armed Forces stamp on driver’s license
Oklahoma	Available	Veterans who choose to have the “Veteran” status on their card will have to show proof of military service by providing their DD-214, 215, WWII discharge document or a US Department of Veterans Affairs photo ID card when renewing or obtaining their identification card or driver license.	Veteran logo on Oklahoma driver license or state identification cards
Oregon	Available	DMV will add a designation on your driver license, instruction permit or ID card to indicate you are a veteran when you request the designation and meet the qualifications.	Designation on Oregon driver license
Pennsylvania	Available	A Veterans Designation is added to a Driver’s License or Identification Card. There is no fee for the Veterans Designation; however qualified applicants must pay any initial issuance; renewal or duplicate Driver’s License or ID fees. Proof of service is required.	Designation on Pennsylvania driver license
Puerto Rico	Available
Rhode Island	Available	Veterans must present a DD 214 or other forms that show an honorable discharge to qualify for the veteran license or ID designation even if you already have veteran license plates. There is no cost.	Veteran designation on a license or ID
South Carolina	Available	The VETERAN designation applies only to individuals who served honorably as members of the United States Armed Forces. To apply, veterans must present their Form DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which indicates an honorable discharge. No other proof of service will be accepted. Military dependents, spouses or civilian employees on military bases are not eligible.	VETERAN designation on driver licenses, identification cards
South Dakota	Available	Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the military have the option of adding the word “Veteran” to the front of their South Dakota driver license or identification card. Veterans who wish to add the designation to their driver license or non-driver ID card may visit any South Dakota driver license office.	Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card
Tennessee	Available	The word “veteran” will be printed vertically and in capital letters along the right border of the photo. To obtain the designation, a veteran has to provide the clerk’s office with the Defense Department form that verifies service, DD214.	Veterans Designation on State IDs
Texas	Available	DPS offers a VETERAN designation printed on the face of driver licenses for qualifying veterans. Veterans must visit a driver license office and present their DD-214, DD-215, NGB-22, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability letter.	Veteran Designation for Driver Licenses
Utah	Available	An applicant who is 21 years or older applying for a Utah driver’s license or any applicant who is applying for a Utah ID card has the option of adding a VETERAN indicator to their certificate upon providing acceptable proof of honorable discharge from the U.S. Military. Proof would be DD214 or for WWII Veterans, a Record/Notice of Separation is required.	Veterans Identification of Driver License or ID Card
Vermont	Available	Veterans’ licenses are available at all six DMV branch offices and two mobile units and is a free service to all veterans upon license renewal.	Veterans Identification of Driver License or ID Card
Virginia	Available (separate ID card)	The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues veteran ID cards for proof of veteran status to receive discounts from retailers and restaurants	Virginia Veterans Identification Card
Washington	Available	Veteran designation on your driver license or ID card for free.	“Veteran” Designation on Driver’s Licenses
Washington D.C.	Available	Honorably discharged veterans can have the Veteran Designation on a driver license or non-driver identification card.	Washington D.C. “Veteran” Designation on Driver’s Licenses
West Virginia	Available	Veterans can apply for the driver’s license designation by bringing their federally required REAL ID documents as well as their DD214, or military identification card, or Division of Motor Vehicles’ vehicle registration card reflecting their current military license plate, to any of the 23 regional DMV offices.	“Veteran” Designation on Driver’s Licenses
Wisconsin	Available	Veterans can request through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a veteran identifier on their Wisconsin driver’s license or state issued identification card.	Wisconsin Veteran Driver’s License
Wyoming	Available	Wyoming veterans have the option of requesting a veteran designation be shown on the front of their Wyoming driver license or identification cards. To qualify for the designation, applicants must submit a verification form and copy of their separation papers (Form DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to the Wyoming Veterans Commission.	Wyoming Veteran Driver’s License

National Veterans & Military Families Month

October 29, 2020

Brief history: (militarytimes.com) Each November, the President signs a proclamation declaring November National Veterans & Military Families Month, and with hundreds of thousands of service members deployed overseas, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by active duty, Guard, and Reserve military families has never been more important. Falling also with November, on the 11th, is Veterans Day – a day set aside to recognize all veterans, those alive and those who’ve passed, having served during war or peace.

The VPAA’s focus, particularly during this time of year, is to ensure the safety, health and welfare of our veterans and their families. The year-end holiday stress (good and challenging) affects the vast majority of us in many and varied ways – most often, psychologically, financially and emotionally. There are unique factors that affect veteran and military families ranging from dealing with long-distance familial relationships, being isolated in care facilities (particularly with COVID as a visit-restricting factor this year), stretching military pay and veteran pension or benefits, to depression that often sets in during the holidays for many people.

In the coming weeks, we will be providing state by states programs that are available to veteran and military members and their families to help with many of these issues.

We’ve received numerous requests for guidance to helpful veteran support organizations and agencies and have successfully shepherded many to necessary and effective resources. Problem-solving is core SOP here at the VPAA.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Vulnerable Veterans At Risk For In-Home Abuse

October 15, 2020

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT A VULNERABLE VETERAN MAY BE BEING AB– USED, PLEASE CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES IN YOUR AREA. YOU CAN ALSO CALL THE VPAA FOR ASSISTANCE: 347.443.1737

Of particular focus for the VPAA now are senior-aged and disabled veterans who are virtually unprotected from scams by not only hacker strangers or via random Ponzi-scheme victimization but also, increasingly more frequently, by unaffiliated third-party caregivers- the very people entrusted with their care and very lives. We are not referring to caregiver military spouses, other family members or those of you who are dedicated to the welfare of our veterans. It has come to our attention that there are those who, by happenstance or intentional affiliation, attach themselves to veterans, ostensibly to provide in-residence care (whether at home or in an assisted living facility), when, in fact, they take emotional advantage of our vulnerable veterans and exert physical, financial or other undue influence on their lives, often isolating the in-need veteran while presenting a compassionate face to family and the public. This is a strong statement based on evidence and experience. We have involved the proper legal authorities in the cases of veteran abuse that we’ve encountered but believe more preventative actions can be taken. This abuse cannot and will not continue.

As we form a task-force to explore and implement responses to these situations, we will come to our fellow citizens for volunteers and other help to ensure the physical, emotional and financial safety of our most vulnerable veterans. We will be actively seeking guidance and assistance from federal and state Veterans Affairs departments, our dedicated VSOs and other agencies that are involved in our veterans care.
Shortly, we’ll be posting our advance mission critical statement on this urgent issue and hope to have your assistance in shaping and enacting an additional layer of protection for our veterans in need of such services. As always, there is no charge to our veterans for the mission we will shortly propose.

As we approach National Veterans & Military Families Month, inclusive of Veterans Day, November 11 and throughout the month of November, we can think of no better way to show our appreciation for those who have honored our country with their service and sacrifice than to ensure their safety – now it’s our turn to serve these brave men and women serviceveterans.

Thank you,

Lina M. Maini, Co-founder, VPAA

Lee Ann Smith, Gold Star Mother/Ambassador-At-Large, VPAA

As always, stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Helping Girl Scouts Earn A Forgotten Soldiers Patch!

September 15, 2020

Recently, the VPAA was contacted by Karen Lane of Fairviews.org in an effort to assist Girl Scout Anna of her troop in earning her Forgotten Soldiers patch.

Forgottensoldiers.org has partnered with the Girl Scouts by sponsoring a program that allows Girl Scout troop members the opportunity to earn Forgotten Soldiers Outreach patches.

Formed in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Forgotten Soldiers nonprofit organization’s mission is in “sending a little bit of home to ensure that they [our soldiers stationed around the world] are not forgotten”, states Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, Forgotten Soldiers Executive Director and Founder. Forgotten Soldiers routinely sends our foreign-based soldiers “We Care” packages full of goodies, toiletries, letters and notes of encouragement.

Ms. Lane of Fairviews asked that we help fulfill Anna’s steps towards her Forgotten Soldiers patch by posting on our site, a noteworthy military servicemenbers resource that Anna researched and found to be helpful to our men and women in uniform. That link is: https://couponfollow.com/research/discounts-for-military-families.

This link provides valuable financial resources and discounts for military families information.

We congratulate ForgottenSoldiers.org and the Girls Scouts of America in their unique partnership, bringing a piece of home to our soldiers in the field.

We encourage all parents and guardians of Girl Scout troop members to partner with Forgotten Soldiers and post this link to their brochure for that purpose.

As always, keep your head on a swivel.

State By State Veterans Benefits

September 04, 2020

As is our mission here at the VPAA to guide corporate and civilian resources to veterans, this week we are publishing an updated article reflecting the current many and varied resources in the private sector intended to help (and thank!) veterans (and in many cases, active duty military) with additional life resources. There are also various governmental agencies listed and it’s comforting to see the private sector responding likewise in enabling veterans to advance work, school and living goals.

The very informative and amazing Military Benefits site offers a one-stop repository of state by state benefits for veterans that we hope may be helpful to our veterans and active duty servicemembers: https://militarybenefits.info/state-veterans-benefits/

Enjoy a happy and healthy Labor Day holiday weekend!

As always, stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

IRS Re-Opens Deadline For Veterans With Children Who Missed Stimulus Checks

August 27, 2020

From MilitaryTimes and CNET:

Recently , we’ve had numerous veteran clients with children advise us that they had not yet received their stimulus checks so we decided to research the matter. Below is the information we were able to uncover from Military Times and CNET:

Veterans Affairs officials are reminding families who missed out on some coronavirus stimulus checks last spring that they have a few more weeks left to claim that cash.

In a social media post Friday morning, (August 21, 2020), VA Secretary Robert Wilkie urged veterans who think they may be eligible for the money to contact the Internal Revenue Service and see if they are owed any money.

At issue are payments of up to $500 per dependent child for disabled veterans who do not typically meet the threshold for filing annual income tax returns. The money was part of a massive emergency spending package pass in the spring designed to offset financial losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, then in its initial months.

After Congress approved one-time payouts of up to $1,200 per person, the IRS struggled to get those stimulus checks to some veterans whose current address and bank account information was not up-to-date in their systems.

The agency eventually partnered with VA officials to use some veterans benefits records to help with that challenge, but could not identify all of the individuals who may have been eligible to receive the additional $500 child payments along with the other stimulus payouts.

IRS officials set up a special registration site for veterans and other Americans who don’t regularly file annual tax returns, but set a cutoff of early May to apply. Agency leaders said individuals who missed out on that deadline would have to wait until spring 2021 to receive the money as part of next year’s income tax returns.

But late last week, IRS officials reopened the application process. Veterans who missed out on the child credits now have until Sept. 30 to register, with payouts expected to be delivered by mid-October.

Please check with the IRS to determine the status of your missing stimulus check and how to remedy the situation.

Stay safe and kee your head on a swivel.

Top Five Celebrity Veterans Charities

August 20, 2020

We are thankful to the many wonderful celebrities from all walks of life who bring their voices to veterans causes. Using their celebrity status as platforms to advocate for our veterans and military are:

Gary Sinise

12 CHARITIES

Prince Harry

24 CHARITIES

Trace Adkins

14 CHARITIES

Brian Williams

12 CHARITIES

Michelle Obama

8 CHARITIES

To view all 370 celebrity-founded and operated veteran charities, please visit our friends at looktothestars.org.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

White House Veterans Experience Office Hotline

August 6, 2020

From the White House Veterans Experience Office Hotline site:
The hotline’s pilot began under direction of the Veterans Experience Office on June 1, 2017, and entered phase two on October 15, 2017.

White House VA Hotline:  1-855-948-2311.

Calls are answered by a live agent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The hotline is staffed by more than 60 agents who have had extensive training on VA programs and services. Most of these agents are a Veteran, military family member, caregiver or a survivor.

The White House VA Hotline conducts immediate warm hand offs for at-crisis risk Veterans needing the services of the Veterans Crisis Line.
Trends identified by the hotline will be used to rapidly respond to systemic inefficiencies and empower VA employees to resolve Veteran concerns quickly.

Veterans should continue to use existing VA customer service hotlines:

• Health Care:  1-877-222-8387
• Benefits:  1-800-827-1000
• Veterans Crisis Line:  1-800-273-8255
• MyVA311 (other):  1-844-698-2311

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Thank You To Our Readers! And, Our Progress Report and Upcoming Events

July 30, 2020

This week’s RollCall goes out to you- our valuable veteran-assistance community; professionals dedicated to helping our men and women who’ve served in uniform. Your list of achievements is inspiring! and includes that:

(This is just the short list of assistance we’ve been honored to provide to your veterans and I thank you again for advocating the VPAA’s services.)

• Numerous RollCall readers involved in veterans’ matters, including our invaluable VSOs, State Veterans’ Affairs professionals, housing authority representatives and many veterans themselves. have come forward to volunteer in the VPAA’s efforts to ensure that our veterans receive the help that they need- when they need it, especially in today’s tumultuous times.

In the coming weeks, we will be announcing several events to include the formation of a microloan program for our clients and their families and a dedicated fundraiser to ensure the resources necessary from the corporate and private sector to continue our mission to serve veterans and police officers.

Again, this week’s RollCall is dedicated to YOU, with our sincere, heartfelt appreciation and just one request – let’s continue to forward awareness to our nation’s veterans of the VPAA’s presence, readiness and absolute willingness to help any and all veterans who can avail themselves of our resources- and never, ever is there a charge for our services. It is our way of saying thank you to our military (past and present, as well) and law enforcement communities for their dedication to our nation, to us.

With my warmest regards and respect,
Lina

As always, stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

State-by-State Travel Guidelines, COVID-19 Update

July 23, 2020

As the United States continues to attempt to rein in the coronavirus spread while simultaneously re-opening the economy and travel, each state has implemented its own rules on top of federal guidance.

With regard to travel, below is a state-by-state breakdown of the current travel policies in place. (Please check your departure and arrival states and those in between that you may have to pass through.) :

Alabama
Travelers from Alabama heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Alaska
On June 5, Alaska started requiring anyone who comes into the state to produce documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours to five days prior to their departure. If someone doesn’t have a test, they can opt to get tested upon arrival but must quarantine until they receive negative results.

Arizona
Travelers from Arizona heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Arkansas
Travelers from Arkansas heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

California
Travelers from California heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Colorado
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Connecticut
In coordination with New York and Connecticut, travelers coming from states where there is a high rate of coronavirus infections must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to the tri-state area.

The state also initially placed restrictions on hotels and other vacation rentals, designating them only for certain instances, including for healthcare workers, out-of-state employees working on COVID-19 operations, and Connecticut residents who needed to self-isolate.

Delaware
While out-of-state visitors were initially required to self-quarantine for 14 days, that order was lifted on June 1.

Travelers from Delaware heading to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Florida
Travelers from Florida heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Georgia
Travelers from Georgia heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Hawaii
Hawaii will allow travelers to bypass their 14-day quarantine rule if they can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken prior to arrival starting Sept. 1. That program was originally supposed to start on Aug. 1, but was delayed.

Locals are also now allowed to travel between islands.

Idaho
Travelers from Idaho heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Illinois
Specifically in Chicago, the city has implemented a list of states from which visitors are required to quarantine upon arrival. The states currently effected include states effected includes Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

Indiana
Travelers from Indiana heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Iowa
Travelers from Iowa heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Kansas
Travelers from Kansas heading to Chicago will be required to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.

Kentucky
In April, the state had instituted a curfew on all state parks. A previous order telling Kentucky residents not to travel outside the state was later lifted.

Louisiana
Travelers from Louisiana heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Maine
Maine now allows visitors to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine (first enacted on April 3) if they come with a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours before arriving. Visitors from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont are exempt from the quarantine and testing requirements due to improving case numbers.

Hotels to start accepting reservations in June for both in-state and out-of-state residents.

Maryland
Travelers from Maryland heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Massachusetts
Anyone arriving from out-of-state has been asked to self-quarantine for two weeks, according to the state.

Michigan
Michigan has also lifted the restriction on traveling between two residences in the state, but still prohibits travel to vacation rentals.

Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Health. The state allowed for tribal activities within the boundaries of a tribal reservation.

Mississippi
Travelers from Mississippi heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Missouri
Travelers from Missouri heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Montana
Travelers from Montana heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Nebraska
While Nebraska has asked people coming to Nebraska from another state to self-quarantine for two weeks, that was lifted on June 1.

Travelers from Nebraska heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Nevada
Travelers from Nevada heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

New Hampshire
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

New Jersey
In coordination with New York and Connecticut, travelers coming from states where there is a high rate of coronavirus infections must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to the tri-state area.

New Mexico
Air travelers or those from out-of-state are still told to self-isolate for at least 14 days.

Travelers from New Mexico heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

New York
In coordination with New Jersey and Connecticut, travelers coming from states where there is a high rate of coronavirus infections must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to the tri-state area.

North Carolina
Travelers from North Carolina heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

North Dakota
People coming to the state from another country have to quarantine for two weeks.

Travelers from North Dakota heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Ohio
Anyone who comes to Ohio to stay is still asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Travelers from Ohio heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Oklahoma
Anyone who flies from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Washington state, or Louisiana had to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Travelers from Oklahoma heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Oregon
Oregon Health Authority

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Health

Rhode Island
While the state initially required anyone who arrived from another state for a non-work-related reason to self-quarantine for 14 days, that order was changed. Currently, anyone who comes from a state with more than a 5 percent positivity rate is required to either self-quarantine for 14 days or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

South Carolina
South Carolina had required anyone coming from hot-spots like New York to self-quarantine for two weeks, but that has since been lifted.

Travelers from South Carolina heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

South Dakota
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Tennessee
Travelers from Tennessee heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Texas
Travelers from Texas heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Utah
Travelers from Utah heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting. They will also have to quarantine if they are heading to Chicago.

Vermont
Vermont closed all hotels and home rentals except for when they are directly supporting the COVID-19 response, including providing housing for healthcare workers, and told most visitors to abide by a 14-day self-isolation directive. Hotels have now been allowed to resume operations with capacity restrictions for Vermont residents.

On June 8, the state lifted the requirement to quarantine if returning from any county in New England or New York with 400 or fewer active COVID-19 cases per million.

Virginia
Travelers from Virginia heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Washington
Travelers from Washington heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

West Virginia
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

Wisconsin
Residents who travel outside their communities had been asked to self-quarantine for two weeks. Travel between “private homes within the state” was being “strongly discouraged.”

Travelers from Wisconsin heading to New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut will have to quarantine for two weeks when visiting.

Wyoming
While the state initially required a 14-day quarantine for anyone coming to Wyoming from another state or country for a non-work-related reason, that was lifted on May 8, according to Wyoming News Now.

Stay informed and check with your state’s Department of Health before traveling to other states. And remember to carry extra masks, disposable gloves and hand sanitizer.

As always, keep your head on a swivel.

USAA To Stop Seizing Stimulus Checks

June 25, 2020

Following severe criticism over its handling of federal emergency payouts related to the coronavirus pandemic, the military-centric banking company USAA announced it will no longer seize customers’ checks to cover existing debts and will refund any past such actions.

The end to these seizures came comes after awareness grew that USAA was taking veterans’ and military family members’ stimulus checks — some totaling $2,000 or more — to settle existing account balances and debts. USAA officials initially defended the move as permissible under federal rules.

Please have veterans and active duty servicemembers who’ve had their stimulus monies seized by USAA contact the financial institution to request a return of these monies. USAA: 800.531.8722.

New Rules For Interment Eligibility At Arlington National Cemetery

June 18, 2020

ANC is currently closed to the public. Family pass holders may visit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Phone: 877-907-8585

The publication of a draft rule on revised eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biggest changes: Currently, any military retiree is eligible for below-ground burial at the site, and any veteran who left the service under honorable conditions is eligible for inurment of ashes. The former group would only be eligible for inurment now, while many of the later would not be eligible for any admission to Arlington.

The initial public statement period (the first step of the federal rule-making process which takes at least nine months) had been expected to begin this past April but there is now no firm date for when the rule will be cleared. The new rule must be published in the Federal Register, with public comments accepted for 60 days. The Army is required to respond to “significant” comments and consider changes based on those comments.  

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 420,000 servicemembers, with about 7,000 more added each year. At that rate, officials estimate it will run out of space by 2055 if steps are not taken to expand the land or change the eligibility requirements. Among the proposed changes, the Army has said preference for below-ground interment will go to servicemembers killed in action, Medal of Honor recipients and World War II veterans. Others eligibility for below-ground interment:

• Award recipients of the Silver Star and above who also served in combat
• Recipients of the Purple Heart
• Combat-related service deaths while conducting uniquely military activities
• Former prisoners of war
• Presidents and vice presidents
• Veterans with combat service who also served out of uniform as a government official and made significant contributions to the nation’s security at the highest levels of public service

 Above-ground inurnment would be authorized for:

• World War II-era veterans, to include legislated active duty designees
• Retirees from the armed forces who are eligible to receive retired pay but are not otherwise eligible for interment
• Veterans who have served a minimum of two years on active duty and who have served in combat
• Veterans without combat service who also served out of uniform as a government official and made significant contributions to the nation’s security at the highest levels of public service

Jobs For Veterans Resources

June 11, 2020

One of the most frequent requests we here at the VPAA receive from veterans is for employment opportunities in the civilian sector.

With the country re-opening in the wake of COVID-19, the jobs market for veterans appears very promising. Across the board from IT technicians to RNs and doctors to equipment specialists, many companies value the extraordinary work ethic and knowledge of our veterans and seek to make them part of the corporate backbone of our country.

Many of our below listed veteran hiring resources are also for transitioning service-members as well as active duty and veteran spouses and family. In no particular order but all in order, we provide you with the Hiring for America list of the best veteran hiring resources available today:

1) GI Jobs

GI Jobs has a lot of great online tools for vets. They have hotlists for veteran career and education opportunities, a pay calculator that will help you figure out what salary you’ll need in your civilian job to equal your military pay, and they also have a job board that lets you search by location and your military specialty.

2) Feds Hire Vets

Interested in a federal career after your service? Use this website for finding resources and information to help you on your way. This site isn’t just for veterans; they also support service members still in transition, as well as family members of active duty military and Veterans.

3) Veteran Employment Center

A division of the US Department of Veteran affairs, The Veteran Employment Center helps you to translate your military occupational codes into civilian skill equivalents for a powerful resume, and to help you learn about potential related civilian career paths. They offer tools like a military job translator – a tool that will help you to find career options that best utilize your training, experience and capabilities. They also help out with building a great resume – which can be a stressful endeavor. They will help you create an online profile so that employers can find you more easily, as well as helping you create a downloadable resume for you to use offline.

Publishing your profile on the VEC website instantly connects you to thousands of employers looking to hire Veterans, transitioning Servicemembers as well as family members. You can search the Veterans Job Bank of over 1.5 million jobs, in addition to all federal jobs – including status positions reserved especially for Veterans. Find out about employers that have a good history of hiring veterans, and get connected to other informational resources like their new DoD SkillBridge pilot program that promotes civilian job training for transitioning Servicemembers.

4) LinkedIn for Vets

LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for hearing about job openings, and helping you appear in search results when potential employers are seeking out people with your skillset. LinkedIn also provides a free 1-year Job Seeker Premium subscription ($360) and courses at Lynda.com to all U.S. Veterans and Service Members! Lynda.com is a really valuable offering – they have courses in design, photography, web, 3D animation, business and more. This is a great offering that you should definitely take advantage of.

5) Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes works to help veterans find jobs, with more than 60 veterans confirmed hired every week. Their services are provided at no cost to the transitioning military member, veteran or spouse. They provide workshops, career coaching and employment counseling.

Veterans are individually partnered with a Veteran Transition Specialist who works with the veteran to create a tailored civilian resume and translate military experience into civilian terminology. They help you learn effective job search strategies, as well as networking and interviewing techniques. Perhaps most importantly, they help you get connected with companies who want to hire veterans. Check out theirworkshops to find one near you:

6) HireVeterans.Com

The place to go once you have your resume in order, Hire Veterans connects veterans with employers and job opportunities – you can apply right on their site. They offer Employers access to your resume and they offer you the good and relevant jobs by companies in the USA and abroad.

“HireVeterans.com has established its brand as a top e-recruiting site for the veterans of our armed forces.”

7) Military.Com Veteran Jobs

Part of Military.com, they are the largest military and veteran membership organization with 10 million members. Come here to search job listings, learn about military-friendly employers, get help building your resume, and check out their articles about career advice.

8) Vet Jobs

Vet jobs is one of the leading military related job boards on the Internet. They work to assist employers in identifying transitioning military and veteran candidates. In 2000, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States sponsored and purchased ten percent of the company.

“The VetJobs vision is to meet the shortage of qualified candidates in the civilian sector with highly trained veterans who can offer employers technical skills, management expertise and most importantly, leadership.”

9) Fastport

Fastport is a veteran focused job hunting service, helping you find great trucking jobs, without having to dig through hard to navigate listings. They’ve created FASTPORT’S Job Maps, that shows you a snapshot of the jobs that match your experience best, and the ones that go through your hometown. As you review search results, you can pick favorites – the more you do, the better the system will be able to show you jobs that you could be interested in. They also offer a live chat option on the website, to get help from someone in real time! Worried about what the job will actually be like? Read reviews from past and current employees of that job, and see for yourself. Once you find a job you’re interested in, you can reach out and apply right on the site.

10) Military Hire

A military hiring network, militaryhire.com is another resource to connect you with veteran friendly employers.  Once you post your resume, you can search for jobs and narrow down your search terms so that you only see jobs you might be interested in. You can click to apply to these jobs right on the site, and you can set up an automated search that will let you know when a job that fits your search terms has been posted.

There are many great sites for helping veterans on their job hunt. Job Hero.com has a really great career guide page – there you can find even more resources available to you on your hunt for the perfect job for you.

11) Hire Purpose

Developed in 2011 by a group of veterans, Hire Purpose has been addressing the gaps that exist within the process of transitioning military servicemen and women to civilian careers. In order to help get more successful results, you can find help for building your resume, interview tips, explore and discover new career ideas – even browse open jobs and apply for them right on the site. They even follow up with employers on your behalf, and are there with a real person to speak with you for support if you need it.

12) Rally Point

The main goal of Rally Point is to help service members lead more successful and fulfilling lives. They provide a platform that helps you to build out your professional network and connect with your peers, as well as allowing you to explore career opportunities both within the military sector and in the private sector. Founded by military veterans at Harvard Business School, Rally Point is a prestigious military network and veteran support tool. You can create a profile that highlights your military career, and allows you to get involved in conversations in the community – on anything from sharing your experiences while in the military, to discussing good job-hunting skills.

Good luck and as always, keep your head on a swivel.

Caution Regarding Overseas Protests Related To George Floyd

June 4, 2020

Protesters have marched in the US for six consecutive nights n relation to the death of Minnesota native George Floyd while in police custody. These protests are occurring worldwide and for that reason, we wish to inform our citizens, especially traveling or overseas assigned military men and women, of these situations.

Britain In London, protesters rallied in Trafalgar Square  on Sunday morning, in defiance of Britain’s lockdown rules which prohibit large gatherings.
Some participants marched to the US embassy in the capital’s Nine Elms area.
Germany Crowds gathered in Berlin in front of the US embassy on Saturday and Sunday.
France Activists protested in Paris on Monday.
Denmark Protesters rallied in Copenhagen on Sunday, outside the Danish capital’s US embassy.
Italy In Milan, crowds held a flashmob near the city’s US consulate on Thursday.
Brazil People protested outside the Guanabara Palace, the home of the state government, in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, while in Sao Paulo, some brought signs showing solidarity with the US protests to an existing demonstration against President Jair Bolsonaro.
Mexico Assemblies were held outside the US embassy in Mexico City, alongside flowers, candles and signs.
Ireland Demonstrators streamed down the streets of Dublin’s city center on Monday, while a smaller protest was held in the suburb of Blanchardstown.
New Zealand Protests were held in multiple locations across New Zealand on Monday. Thousands held demonstrations and vigils in places including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Canada Several protests were held in Canada during the weekend, as crowds rallied against alleged police brutality.
On Saturday, demonstrators in Toronto chanted slogans associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.
On Sunday, thousands gathered in Vancouver.
Poland Residents in Krakow, Poland, gathered at the city’s US consulate on Sunday evening.
Australia A large group gathered in Perth’s Central Business District (CBD) on Monday.

We’re advising American travelers to remain alert during this stressful time.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

State-by-State Re-Openings

May 28, 2020

(Information verified as of 05.27.2020)

As of May 20, each state that had imposed a stay-at-home order or shelter in place had begun lifting the restrictions of businesses and public spaces.

People were allowed, in some places, to go back to restaurants and offices and places of worship. Some people have ventured out; some people continue to stay home as much as possible.

State officials and health experts say they want to see expanded testing, tracking contacts of people who had the virus, improved treatment options and vaccine development when they consider moving on to the next step of the reopening process.

Alabama

The state’s stay-at-home order expired April 30 and Gov. Kay Ivey has issued several amendments. The state is allowing non-work gatherings of any size, as long as people maintain six feet of distancing. Retailers and beaches have reopened with restrictions.

Gyms, athletic facilities, barber shops, hair salons and nail salons have reopened with certain rules.

Restaurants, bars and breweries may allow on-property consumption of food and drink, with certain rules.

Starting May 22, new rules were put in place, through at least July 3:

— Entertainment venues, child care and summer camps are allowed to open, subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules.

Educational institutions will be allowed to reopen on June 1 if they observe social distancing, sanitize the facilities and require employees to wear face coverings.

Alaska

Gov. Mike Dunleavy said May 19 that all businesses and houses of worship will be allowed to open on Friday, May 22 at 8 a.m.

“It will all be open, just like it was prior to the virus,” Dunleavy said at a news conference.

Businesses can return to 100% of their normal capacity, although local communities will have the option of keeping stricter rules.

Also libraries, museums, recreational activities and sports activities may open.

Dunleavy said the reopening makes a spread of coronavirus more likely, but no longer a statewide health emergency.

“We should have this well under control in terms of managing it. If there are spikes, if there are clusters, we’ll deal with that,” the governor said.

The governor said they will monitor their Covid-19 numbers after the business reopening and will be prepared to tighten restrictions again, but he doesn’t believe that will be necessary. “I don’t foresee us going back to something that’s statewide,” Dunleavy said. Entertainment venues, child care and summer camps are allowed to open, subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules.

Arizona

Arizona allowed retail stores to do in-person business again from May 8 with strict physical distancing.

Gov. Doug Ducey said new coronavirus cases are declining “Arizona is heading in the right direction.” Barbershops and salons were included in the May 8 reopening order, although all businesses are required to maintain social distancing.

From May 11 Arizona restaurants were able to offer dine-in services again. The governor said the state is working with the industry to come up with specific distancing rules for restaurants later in the week.

Ducey on April 29 extended the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15 with modifications. Under the new order, elective surgeries could begin May 1.

Navajo Nation extended the closure of its government until May 17.

Arkansas

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said on April 30 that gyms, fitness centers, and indoor athletic facilities could resume operations beginning May 4; barbershops and hair salons from May 6.

The state allowed restaurants to open for limited dine-in service May 11. Restaurants will be able to operate at a third of their normal capacity and they must limit groups to no larger than 10 people.

Hutchinson said that if the state continues to see a downward trend of coronavirus cases, it will move into a second phase by allowing restaurants to increase to 67% of capacity.

Hutchinson on May 4 said the state encourages places of worship to use online platforms for services, but can also have in-person events. The guidelines include: signs advising anyone who has been sick they shouldn’t enter, six feet of social distancing inside except for family groups, and face coverings for everyone older than 10.

The governor announced on May 21 that high school and community teams will be allowed to resume skill training under strict measures on June 1.

California

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order on March 19 that has no set end date. But the state is gradually reopening on a county-by-county basis.

On May 4 the state announced some retailers — clothing stores, florists, and bookshops — will be allowed to reopen with curbside pickup and physical distancing. Associated manufacturing and supply chain for those retail businesses will also be able to get back to work.

Newsom said May 20 that more than half of the state’s 58 counties are moving further into ‘phase two’ of the state’s four-pronged approach to reopening.

The governor said 33 counties have begun to move forward. These counties have reached criteria which includes no more than 5% increase in hospitalizations over a week-long period and fewer than 25 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents.

On May 25, the state said it would allow places of worship and retail stores to let people in.

Houses of worship can open to 100 people, or at 25% capacity, whichever is lower.

Professional sports will be allowed to return in the first week of June, according to Newsom.

Colorado

The state’s “safer-at-home” order took effect April 27 and is in effect until May 27.

Retail businesses can reopen with curbside delivery and elective medical procedures can resume. Businesses such as personal training and dog grooming can reopen with social distancing.

Retail businesses began to reopen May 1, while people were permitted to return to non-essential office work May 4.

On May 11, Gov. Jared Polis said state park campsites would be available for rental beginning May 12.

The governor said May 25 that in-person dining will be allowed at 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less, starting May 27. Restaurants are also being encouraged to provide outdoor seating. Bars will remain closed.

Connecticut

The state began reopening May 20.

Offices and stores may open at 50% capacity. Restaurants can offer outdoor seating.

Hair salons and barber shops may reopen June 1.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the second phase will begin June 20. Indoor facilities including gyms, hotels, personal services, indoor restaurants (though no bars) will be allowed to re-open, as well as some educational and community services including selected youth sports, all summer day camps, K-12 summer schools (which will open July 6) and some graduate programs in July and August.

Delaware

The state’s stay-at-home order is in effect through May 31 but some restrictions have been lifted.

That included May 19 when Gov. John Carney said retail establishments may operate by appointment only starting May 20.

Carney had said May 14 that Delaware will lift restrictions on state beaches and community pools on May 22, and on ice cream shops and trucks on May 15, but all will have to follow strict social distancing requirements.

On May 18 the governor issued updated guidance for churches and other houses of worship today, which encourages virtual services, but expands the ability for churches and other houses of worship to conduct in-person services with restrictions, according to a release from the state.

According to the release, anyone 13-years-old or older is required to wear a face covering, and high-risk Delawareans, including those over 65-years-old, and anyone who is sick, should not attend in-person services.

District of Columbia

Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced May 27 that restaurants with outside seating will be allowed to serve diners outside on May 29, although there is a limit of six people per table with tables 6 feet apart. Nonessential retail stores — which have been closed — will be permitted to deliver or offer curbside pickup of items.

Other provisions in Phase 1 include barbershops and hair salons, which will be allowed to open for appointments for hair services only. Nail salons and other services are still prohibited.

Florida

Florida reopened certain businesses through much of the state on May 4.

Starting May 4, restaurants were allowed to offer outdoor seating with six-foot space between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity. Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity, and bars, gyms and personal services such as hairdressers will remain closed. Churches remain on “voluntary social distancing,” and movie theaters remain closed. The state’s stay-at-home order ended on April 30. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the decision made by local leaders to reopen the beaches as he awaits recommendations from the Re-Open Florida Task Force.

Florida Keys businesses will be allowed to reopen to visitors beginning June 1. Checkpoints will be removed on two roads leading from South Florida into the Keys and there will no longer be passenger screenings at Key West International and Florida Keys Marathon International airports.

Lodging business can operate at 50% capacity.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced that beaches and hotels will reopen on June 1. Lounging on the sand, walking, swimming and jogging will be allowed with restrictions. Hotels will be allowed to reopen at 100%, but the common areas will only be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity.

Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp started to ease restrictions April 24.

Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, hair and nail salons, estheticians and massage therapists were able to reopen April 24, with certain rules. Theaters and restaurants were allowed to reopen April 27, also with caveats.

The caveats include social distancing and screening employees for illness.

Bars, nightclubs and music venues will remain closed, for now.

A shelter-in-place order for “medically fragile and elderly Georgians” is in place through June 12.

The shelter-in-place order for other Georgians ended April 30.

“However, moving forward, I am urging Georgians to continue to stay home whenever possible,” Kemp said in a statement. “I want to thank the people of our great state who heeded public health advice, afforded us time to bolster our health-care infrastructure, and flattened the curve. We were successful in these efforts, but the fight is far from over.”

Hawaii

Gov. David Ige on May 5 announced a plan to ease the stay-at-home restrictions in place, calling it a “safer-at-home” plan.

On May 7, in the first phase of the plan, a number of businesses were allowed to open, including shopping malls, car washes, pet grooming, elective surgery, nonprofit organizations, and in-person retail businesses as long as social distancing is maintained.

Beaches are now open for exercising such as jogging, running or walking and on May 13 the governor said that recreational activities can take place on some beaches starting May 15.

People in Kauai to return to the beaches as long as they are in groups of no more than 10 people from the same household.

The state is continuing to discourage visitors to the islands for now, as anyone arriving from out of state must immediately quarantine for 14 days.

Groups of two people or more are now allowed to fish for subsistence or commercial purposes, Ige said earlier. A previous restriction limited such gatherings to two people.

Idaho

After Gov. Brad Little’s “Order to Self-Isolate” expired on May 1, Idaho’s entered the first stage of the state’s recovery plan. Bars, gyms and theaters must remain closed and restaurants can continue carryout service, but some other businesses and places of worship could open with social distancing plans.

Little said that the measures were working and Idaho is “truly seeing a flattening of the curve.”

Under the second phase, restaurant dining and salons would be permitted to open, although gatherings would still be limited to fewer than 10 people.

Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a modified stay-at-home order that went into effect on May 1 and extends through the end of the month. The order allows more flexibility “where it is safe” to do so, according to Pritzker.

This new order allows residents to leave their home for essential activities, including for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity, for certain types of work, to take care of others, and to engage in the free exercise of religion.

“All we were trying to do was to make more explicit that people do have the right to gather in a group of 10 or less,” he said. “As long as you are social distancing.”

State parks, golf courses, retail stores, and garden centers are some of the few places that are reopening with strict social measures.

Non-urgent surgeries that have been put off due to the crisis can also now be scheduled in surgery centers and hospitals, according to the governor.

Pritzker also announced guidance on the use of masks in public. He said, “Tomorrow will be the first day where adults and any children over the age of two and everyone medically able to tolerate a face covering will be required to wear one in public places where they can’t maintain a 6-foot social distance.”

On May 5, the governor also announced a five-phase reopening plan. Pritzker said that Phase 3 — when manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen, with restrictions — won’t begin until May 29 at the earliest.

On May 14, Pritzker said that every region in the state is on track to move into the next phase of re-opening in about two weeks.

Indiana

Gov. Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order expired May 1 and the state is currently in Stage 1 of the its reopening plan. Critical businesses have opened but all other industries are closed.

Stage 2, which rolled out for most of the state on May 4, eases restrictions on essential travel, permits social gatherings of up to 25 people and reopens state government offices with limited public interaction. Retail and commercial businesses can open at 50% capacity, as can shopping malls, though indoor common areas are restricted to 25% capacity.

Restaurants and bars that serve food can open starting May 11 at 50% capacity, and personal services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and tattoo parlors can open at that time by appointment only.

Indiana is part of a Midwest coalition of states looking at reopening possibilities.

Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds has not declared a stay-at-home order. Reynolds allowed 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties to reopen restaurants, fitness centers, retail stores and enclosed malls at 50% capacity beginning May 1. Reynolds also lifted the ban on religious gatherings of more than 10 people.

This is “a targeted approach to loosening restrictions” and focuses on counties “where there is no virus activity or where virus activity has been consistently low and shown a downward trend,” said Reynolds.

Counties where Covid-19 activity is higher will have their closures extended through May 15, the governor said. “It’s based on a stabilization and it’s based on virus activity and the amount of new cases over the past 14 days,” Reynolds said.

“Businesses and churches approved for reopening must also adhere to social distancing, hygiene, public health measures, and business guidelines from the department of public health to, of course, reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19,” the governor said.

Reynolds also said that restaurants will have to keep tables at least six feet apart and limit the number of people that can be at a table.

The governor emphasized that the state limit on social gatherings of more than 10 people remains in place.

Kansas

The state’s stay-at-home order ended May 4. Gov. Laura Kelly said resaturants can open if they adhere to proper public health guidelines and can maintain at least 6 feet between customers.

Libraries and child care facilities also may open.

Bars, nightclubs, casinos, gyms, and personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided must remain closed.

On May 6, Kelly signed a proclamation that allowed dental services to resume statewide in compliance with special guidelines adopted by the Iowa Dental Board.

Also, campgrounds, drive-in movie theaters, tanning facilities and medical spas may partially reopen following guidelines and taking public health measures.

Fitness centers, malls and other retail establishments in the 22 counties that did not ease restrictions May 1 may also reopen at 50% capacity.

Kentucky

After issuing a “healthy at home” order in March, the state rolled out the following plan to reopen certain businesses and services. In all cases, reopened businesses are told to follow certain rules.

— May 11: These sectors were allowed to reopen: manufacturing, construction, vehicle or vessel dealerships; professional services at 50% capacity; horse racing without fans; and dog grooming and boarding will be allowed to reopen, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

— May 20: Retail and houses of worship will be allowed to reopen.

— May 22: Restaurants can reopen at 33% capacity, and with outdoor seating.

Beshear said May 14 that groups of 10 people or fewer will be allowed as of May 22, but encouraged people to meet outside and keep six feet of distance from others.

— May 25: Barber shops, salons and cosmetology businesses may reopen. Also, 10-person social gatherings will be allowed again.

— June 1: Movie theaters and fitness centers can reopen.

— June 8: Museums, outdoor attractions, aquariums, libraries, and distilleries may reopen

— June 11: Campgrounds can reopen.

— June 15: Childcare services may resume, with reduced capacity.

Later, perhaps in July, the state could allow bars to reopen, as well has gatherings up to 50 people, Beshear said.

Customers and employees will be asked to wear a mask at every reopened and essential business.

Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards said May 11 the stay-at-home order, set to expire May 15, will not be extended.

Under the new order, malls in Louisiana will remain closed to the public, but stores can offer curbside delivery. Restaurants can still do takeout and delivery orders but can also offer outdoor seating. There will not be any wait staff, but customers will be able to sit outside and eat if they want, minding social distancing rules. Edwards also said that all employees in businesses interacting with the public are required to wear masks.

Churches can operate outdoors with tents as long as those tents don’t have flaps on the side, the governor said.

Businesses that were previously directed to close will remain closed, including salons, barbershops, bars and casinos.

Edwards said his decision to extend the order was based on data, science and the guidance from the White House.

Edwards said the state has not met the threshold where they need to be in hospitalizations, new cases and testing.

Maine

Gov. Janet Mills announced that while the state has started to flatten the curve, it is still not out of the woods. She extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 31, allowing some businesses to reopen on May 1.

These include barber shops and hair salons, auto dealerships and drive-in, stay-in-your-vehicle religious services but the businesses must comply with strict health and safety protocols. Residents must wear cloth masks in public places where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

Maryland

The state’s stay-at-home order ended May 15 and was replaced by a new health advisory. Gov. Larry Hogan said May 13 that retail stores may open with 50% capacity, manufacturing operations may resume, barber shops and hair salons may open with 50% capacity by appointment only and churches can begin to hold religious services again either outside or indoors with 50% capacity.

Hogan advised proper precautions, such as masks and social distancing, must still be practiced.

Restaurants may reopen for outdoor dining May 29 at 5 p.m., Hogan announced during a news conference May 27. Social organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, youth sports leagues, day camps, outdoor pools and drive-in movie theaters will also reopen then.

The governor had announced May 6 that elective medical procedures could resume at the discretion of local hospitals and healthcare providers.

From May 9 the state allowed more outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking, golf, tennis, boating, fishing, and camping.

Closed state parks and state beaches can reopen for people who are exercising, Hogan added.

Massachusetts

Gov. Charlie Baker announced that he is extending the timeline for the closure of nonessential businesses.

“We are extending the timeline for all nonessential businesses to keep the physical workplaces and facilities closed to all workers, customers and the public until May 18 and the state-at-home advisory also remains in place during this time,” Baker said, adding that gatherings of 10 or more are also banned until May 18.

On May 19, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the city will reopen office spaces a week later than the rest of the state as part of the governor’s plan. The state will allow offices to reopen May 25.

Michigan

****Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 7 said the state’s stay-at-home order has been extended through May 28. The order allowed manufacturing workers to resume work May 11.

The big three auto suppliers, in agreement with United Auto Workers (UAW) union, will begin phasing into work on May 18, the governor said, where they’ll be starting at 25% capacity before phasing up.

In an April 24 order, Whitmer relaxed restrictions so some businesses can reopen and the public can participate in more outdoor activities like golf and motorized boating.

That order allowed landscapers, lawn-service companies, plant nurseries and bike repair shops to resume operating, subject to social-distancing rules.

Big-box retailers will no longer have to close off garden centers and areas dedicated to selling paint and carpet.

People also are allowed to travel between their residences, though it isn’t encouraged. They will be allowed to use motorized boats and play golf in adherence with social distancing protocols. State parks, which have been accessible during the health emergency, will remain open.

On May 18, Whitmer signed an order lifting restrictions in the Upper Peninsula and the Traverse City areas, starting Friday.

The order allows for the reopening of retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars with limited seating (50% capacity).

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz extended the state’s stay at home order until May 18.

Retail stores may reopen then if they have safety plans and can operate at no more than 50% capacity.

The governor said when the stay at home order ends, it will be replaced with an order that allows people to gather with friends and family of groups of less than 10.

Mississippi

Mississippi’s statewide Safer at Home order will end June 1.

****Gov. Tate Reeves said businesses will be allowed to reopen with conditions.

The state has two rules for gathering: one where social distancing is possible and one for when social distancing isn’t possible, Reeves said. For social gatherings that comply with social distancing, there is a limit of 50 people indoors and up to 100 people outdoors. Gatherings where people cannot socially distance have limits of 20 people indoors and no more than 50 people outdoors. Health care procedures can return as long as hospitals reserve at least 25% of capacity for Covid-19 patients. School buildings will also be able to open for summer programs.

Missouri

Gov. Mike Parson on April 16 extended the stay-at-home order through May 3.

Parson announced his Show Me Strong Recovery” plan on April 27, under which the state started reopening economic and social activity on May 4. There are no limitations on social gatherings as long as six feet of distance can be maintained between individuals.

All business will be able to reopen as long as six feet of social distancing can be maintained. Indoor retail businesses will also have to limit their number of customers to no more than 25% of normal capacity. Local communities will be allowed to have stricter rules if they choose.

Montana

A gradual and phased reopening of the state began April 26 for individuals and for businesses April 27.

Restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries were allowed to provide some in-establishment services beginning May 4.

On June 1, the number of people allowed in restaurants, bars,pools and gyms will be increased to 75% capacity.

Bowling alleys and “other places of assembly” may operate with reduced capacity, the governor said.

Nebraska

Restaurants are permitted to allow customers inside but must permit no more than 50% of their normal capacity. Salons, massage businesses and tattoo parlors will be limited to 10 people at a time, with everyone wearing face coverings. Houses of worship will be able to meet in-person, but with 6 feet of separation.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said youth baseball and softball teams can begin practice under new guidelines starting June 1, with games slated to resume June 18.

Nevada

Gov. Steve Sisolak said May 7 that the state’s stay-at-home order would end in two days rather than May 15.

“I’m able to move up this announcement because, as a state, we have met our gateway benchmarks for starting reopening,” Sisolak said.

Starting May 9, restaurants were allowed to open for dine-in services with social distancing, and customers waiting for a table will stay outside. Most retail establishments can open, including hair salons, by reservation only. Retail businesses are limited to 50% of normal capacity.

Sisolak made it clear that casinos will stay closed until the Gaming Control Board determines they can safely open.

Additionally, bars, bowling alleys, movie theaters and tattoo parlors are among the other businesses that will have to remain closed.

****

New Hampshire

Gov. Chris Sununu issued a modified stay-at-home order, called “Stay at Home 2.0” which is in effect until May 31.

The governor said the state is looking to reopen based on facts, science and data. Sununu did clarify that the stay-at-home order is still in place.

“You are healthier at home, we want you to stay at home,” he said.

Elective surgeries can resume on May 4 if they are time sensitive. On May 11, barbers and hair salons were allowed to reopen as long as customers have reservations and there are no more than 10 people in the salon, including staff. Customers and employees must wear face masks.

Retail shops also opened on May 11 to customers but will be limited to 50% occupancy and employees must wear face masks.

Restaurants will reopen on May 18, but only with outdoor seating options. Tables must be 6 feet apart, only six people can be seated at a table and servers must have cloth face coverings.

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy issued a stay-at-home order on March 21 that has no specific end date. State parks, golf courses and county parks reopened May 2.

On April 27, Murphy announced a “Road Back” plan, which did not name dates for when other restrictions would be lifted, but instead laid out six principles or metrics that would guide when the easing will happen. They included 14-days of declining new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations, and expanding the state’s capacity to test for the disease.

Reopening will likely begin in workplaces and venues where the state has a “high degree of confidence” that social distancing and other related norms can be effectively executed, Murphy said then.

On May 6, Murphy said he was extending a public health emergency declaration for 30 days. This does not alter the state’s stay-at-home order or “Road Back” plan, but rather allows Murphy to use state resources as necessary to combat the spread of coronavirus, he said. “If it signals one thing, it is this: We can’t give up one bit on the one thing we know that is working in this fight — social distancing,” Murphy said.

On May 19 the governor said residents can now shop for vehicles in person beginning the next day.

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and health officials extended the state’s stay-at-home order to May 31.

Grisham is allowing most businesses in the state to reopen starting May 16, but only at 25% capacity.

The order does not include salons, gyms, malls and dine-in service at restaurants. It also does not apply to three counties in the northwestern part of the state that are considered hotspots for coronavirus.

The revised order requires people to wear face coverings beginning May 16.

On April 30, she eased restrictions on some businesses. Non-essential retail stores are being allowed to offer curbside pickup. Veterinarians can open, as can pet adoption places, groomers, daycare and boarding businesses. Golf courses can allow people to play.

New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said May 14 that there are five regions in the state – Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mohawk Valley — that meet the metrics required to reopen May 15.

Cuomo on May 11 reiterated that the reopening of businesses would be phased, starting with construction, manufacturing, retail (curbside pickup), agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Phase two would use more of a business-by-business analysis using a matrix that determines each businesses overall importance and risk in reopening.

Cuomo has said the state would leave two weeks between phases so it can monitor the effects of what it has done. Two weeks is the incubation period of the virus, per experts.

North Carolina

Gov. Roy Cooper said May 20 the state would shift from a stay-at-home order to a “safer at home” order on May 22 as part of phase 2 of reopening.

In phase 1, which began May 8: Retail stores were limited to 50% capacity. Child care facilities opened for children of working parents or those looking for work.

Phase 2 won’t be as expansive as first planned. Restaurants will be allowed to open but bars, nightclubs, gyms, and indoor fitness facilities wil stay closed.

Gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors, and 25 people outdoors.

North Dakota

Many businesses were allowed to open on May 1. Qualifying businesses included bars and restaurants, recreational facilities, health clubs and athletic facilities, salons, and tattoo studios, but they must maintain social distancing of six feet, inform all employees and customers that they should avoid entering the facility if they have a cough or fever, provide contactless payment systems and hand sanitizer, and encourage wearing face masks.

Movie theaters must limit admittance to 20% of normal operating capacity and keep at least two empty seats between guests.

On May 11, Gov. Doug Burgum said summer school classes and certain summer programs will be able to take place in school buildings beginning June 1.

Ohio

A statewide stay-at-home order will remain in place until May 29, the state health department said. Certain businesses, however, are expected to reopen in phases across May.

Starting May 1, health procedures that don’t require an overnight hospital stay can move forward, and dentist and veterinarian offices also may reopen, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

From May 4, manufacturing, distribution and construction companies can reopen. General offices also may open, but businesses should have people work from home when possible, DeWine said.

From May 12, consumer, retail and other services will be allowed to reopen, the governor said.

The state has outlined protocols for reopening businesses, including requiring face coverings for all staff and customers, conducting daily health assessments, and maintaining good hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing.

Child care providers will be allowed to open May 31 with reduced numbers of children, DeWine said May 14. Preschool classes will be limited to nine children, while classes with infants and toddlers will only be allowed six per classroom. Day camps will also be allowed to open May 31.

Lt. Governor Jon Husted on May 14 announced additional reopening dates, starting with campgrounds, which can reopen on May 21, if they can meet safety protocols. Horse racing can resume on May 22, but spectators will be prohibited.

From May 26, gyms and fitness centers can reopen, low- or non-contact sports leagues can resume if they can meet safety protocols and pools can reopen if they are regulated by local health departments. Water parks or amusement parks are not included in the order.

The governor said some sports teams, including football, basketball and lacrosse can resume training by June 1.

Catering businesses and banquet halls are set to reopen on June 1 under similar guidelines as restaurants and by limiting crowds to 300 guests.

Oklahoma

Gov. Kevin Stitt allowed some businesses to reopen beginning April 24.

Among them are personal care businesses, restaurants, dining rooms, movie theaters, sporting venues and gyms if they maintain “strict social distancing and sanitation protocols.”

Bars, however, will still be closed.

The plan involves three phases, and Stitt cautioned “we will not move to the next phase until the data tells us that it’s safe to do so.”

Oregon

Gov. Kate Brown had extended the state’s stay-at-home order through July 6. On May 18, a judge said the governor’s emergency coronavirus restrictions violate state law and are “null and void.”

The state immediately filed an appeal with the Oregon Supreme Court.

Several restrictions have been lifted.

On May 1, non-urgent medical procedures began. On May 8, the state began accepting applications from counties that wanted to reopen.

If counties are approved, they will be permitted to open restaurants and bars for sit down

service with social distancing, barbers and salons on an appointment only basis, retail businesses with social distancing in place and group sizes will be allowed to increase to 25.

Counties will be monitored for 21 days after entering phase one and if they show no significant growth in the number of cases, they will be considered for entry into phase two.

On May 14 the governor said 26 counties have been approved and were allowed to reopen with protective measures in place on May 15. Phase one will also permit the opening of shopping malls in areas approved by the governor’s office.

Pennsylvania

Gov. Tom Wolf wants to reopen the state in three phases beginning May 8.

The phases will be broken down into three colors — red, yellow and green — and will follow the data, according to Wolf. He had issued stay-at-home orders across the state until April 30.

For those in the red category, the order was extended on May 7 until June 4.

For 24 counties in the yellow zone, a limited reopening of all businesses was allowed from May 8, “so long as they strictly adhere to the requirements of this guidance,” according to Wolf’s office. The guidance for businesses can be found here.

****On April 27, Wolf announced that golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds could reopen statewide May 1, provided they follow social distancing guidelines.

“Pennsylvanians have remained resilient throughout this Covid-19 crisis, and as we successfully continue to flatten the curve to protect our physical health, it is critical that we also focus on our physical and mental health during these extraordinary times. As the weather warms and daylight lengthens, enjoying time outdoors is an important way to manage stress,” Wolf said.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr Rachel Levine said May 6 that the state is allowing elective procedures to start in hospitals and health systems as well as ambulatory surgical facilities in most counties, but not the hardest hit.

Pennsylvania had joined a coalition with the Northeastern states of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island and Massachusetts to coordinate the reopening of the economy, according to a press release from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

Rhode Island

Gov. Gina Raimondo said May 7 that the statewide stay-at-home order would expire May 8, and the state would begin Phase 1 of its reopening.

As of May 9, these places or services may restart if they comply with rules like cleaning frequently, reducing capacity, and screening employees: retail stores; elective medical procedures and other healthcare needs like immunizations and specialty care; state parks; and places of worship with five people or fewer. Employees of office-based businesses who need to go to the office may do so on a very limited basis, but work from home is encouraged.

Strict restrictions remain in place for some businesses. Restaurants still are limited to delivery and takeout. Outdoor dining might be permitted eventually in Phase 1.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities remain closed to visitors.

Entertainment venues like movie theaters, bowling alleys, museums, gyms, salons, and barber shops remain closed.

On May 19, Raimondo announced a smartphone app for residents called “Crushing Covid.” The app will update Rhode Islanders on the reopening.

Places of worship can open to parishioners at 25% of total capacity beginning May 30, Raimondo said May 20.

South Carolina

Gov. Henry McMaster on May 11 said that close contact service providers, fitness and exercise centers, commercial gyms, and public or commercial pools will be able to open in a limited capacity on Monday, May 18. Restaurant dining rooms were opened, with restrictions, beginning May 11.

Some retail stores have been open since April 20, including those selling furniture, books, music, flowers, clothing and accessories, as well as department stores, sporting goods stores and flea markets.

Beaches were allowed to reopen to public access on April 21, though local governments are allowed to keep them closed.

McMaster’s state of emergency executive order has been extended to May 12.

Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said May 19 that in-person graduation ceremonies with gatherings of large groups of people could begin as early as May 29.

South Dakota

Gov. Kristi L. Noem did not issue a stay-at-home order.

“We have seen such an outstanding call to action among the people of South Dakota that we actually have more people staying home than many of the other states that have put in shelter-in-place orders and have put together directives to tell people they can’t leave their homes,” she said at a town hall hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting on April 15.

Noem announced on April 13 that South Dakota would be the first state to conduct a hydroxychloroquine trial to test against Covid-19.

Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee issued a new executive order to replace his previous stay-at-home order. The new order will expire on May 30.

“The order allows Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines, while urging employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible,” according to the press release.

Restaurants, retail outlets, and gyms have been allowed to reopen in most counties in the state.

Close contact services like salons and barbershops were allowed to reopen on May 6 in 89 of the state’s 95 counties, Lee announced on April 29.

On May 21, the governor signed an executive order raising the number of people allowed to participate in a social and recreational activities from 10 to 50.

Texas

The state’s stay-at-home order expired May 1.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced May 18 that child care centers and office buildings will be allowed to reopen now, and many more businesses from bowling alleys to rodeos and professional sports in coming days.

At the end of the week, on May 22, restaurants, which were allowed to reopen May 1 at 25% capacity, can increase to 50% capacity. Also bars, wine tasting rooms and craft breweries can open at a 25% capacity, the governor said. Those capacity limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distances, according to Abbott.

Also on May 22 various businesses such as bowling alleys, bingo halls and skating rinks as well as rodeos, zoos and aquariums may all open at 25% capacity.

On May 31, the governor said, some professional sports can apply to the Department of State Health Services for approval to hold events without spectators, including golf, outdoor racing, baseball, softball, tennis, football and basketball.

Also on May 31 youth sports camps and programs such as Little League will be able to open. Parents will be allowed to spectate, as long as social distancing is followed, according to Abbott. Also summer camps and other daytime and overnight camps can open.

On June 1, school districts are allowed to open for summer school classes as long as distancing practices are followed, Abbott said.

Utah

Gov. Gary Herbert issued an executive order that places Utah under “moderate risk” protocols for Covid-19 beginning May 1 and will remain in effect until May 16.

Utah has not issued a stay-at-home mandate.

“We aren’t returning to business as usual yet,” Herbert said. “In fact, we will not return to ‘normal’ for a significant period of time. But Utahns’ diligence over the past month has given us time to build our healthcare capacity and PPE stores. We can now cautiously relax some requirements, and allow businesses that were closed to operate with safety measures in place.”

The state allowed restaurants to let customers dine in again “with extreme precaution” starting May 1.

Although in-person dining will be allowed as long as social distancing is maintained and the health of employees is monitored, the state still says takeout and delivery are preferable. Similarly, the state allowed gyms to reopen, but says it is recommended that they remain closed.

Personal services businesses like hair salons can reopen with social distancing, according to the state’s moderate risk guidelines.

Vermont

Though a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order is in effect until May 15, certain restrictions have been relaxed.

Starting May 6, gatherings of 10 or less people are allowed. Gov. Phil Scott recommended, but did not require, that these gatherings happen outdoors. Adults ages 65 and older are asked to continue to stay home due to the risk of severe illness, the governor said.

Outdoor recreational locations such as skate parks, tennis courts, ball fields, trail networks, and golf courses were allowed to May 6.

Starting May 4, Vermont allowed manufacturing, construction and distribution businesses to operate, with certain safety requirements.

Also on May 4, some elective surgeries and procedures could start again. Ones that require a hospital stay are not.

Scott said he hopes to allow child care services to restart on June 1.

Virginia

Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order effective until June 10. A separate executive order that restricted certain businesses and crowds of more than 10 people will expire May 14. The order has closed recreation, entertainment, and personal care businesses, and limits restaurants to offering takeout and delivery services only.

Elective surgery and dental procedures in Virginia were allowed to resume May 1.

Washington

Gov. Jay Inslee extended Washington’s stay-at-home order until May 31.

Most state parks and recreational areas reopened May 5. The state also is allowing people to play golf again, but it will be limited to only two people playing together at a time, except when the players live in the same home. No overnight camping will be allowed on any public land.

On May 4, Inslee said individual counties can ask for an exception to state coronavirus regulations on businesses.

Throughout the state, non-essential businesses will still be prohibited from having customers in their stores, but some non-contact businesses like lawn care and car washes can resume from May 5.

On May 18 the state said it would allow non-essential medical procedures and services. Inslee emphasized that doctor’s and dentist’s offices that want to reopen must comply with health restrictions.

Of the state’s 39 counties, 22 are eligible to move to the second phase of reopening. On May 19 Inslee issued new criteria, which focus on counties having less than 10 new cases per 100,000 residents over a 14-day span, the governor said.

Religious and faith-based organizations in Phase 1 counties may host up to 100 people for outdoor services. In Phase 2, they can host to up to 25% of their capacity or 50 individuals, whichever is less, as well as conduct in-home services of five people.

Phase 2 also allows for in-store retail purchases with restrictions, reopening of barbershops and salons, and the reopening of restaurants at 50% capacity and table sizes no larger than five.

West Virginia

The stay-at-home order for West Virginia was lifted at 12:01 a.m. May 4 and replaced with another order, Gov. Jim Justice said.

The new order still encourages people to stay at home but doesn’t require it, Justice said.

Pharmacists, chiropractors, dentists, psychologists, physical therapists, and social workers have been allowed to return to work.

Indoor dining at restaurants can resume May 21 as can shopping at large or specialty retail stores.

Justice on May 14 added fitness centers, gyms and recreation centers to the list of places allowed to open, starting May 18. Rock climbing business could reopen May 15, and whitewater rafting and ziplining businesses on May 21. All must follow restrictions and guidelines.

On May 18 Justice said indoor shopping malls will be allowed to reopen May 21. He added that bars could open at 50% capacity May 26. Museums, visitor centers and zoos can also open that day.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the state’s stay-at-home order, ruling it unlawful and unenforceable in a high-profile win for the state’s Republican-led Legislature.

In a 4-3 decision May 13, the court ruled that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration overstepped its authority when the state Department of Health Services extended the order to May 26.

On May 18, the governor said he won’t pursue implementing a new statewide Covid-19 plan after the first proposal was rejected.

Wyoming

Bars and restaurants were allowed to reopen on Friday, May 15 under an order signed by Gov. Mark Gordon.

“We are trying to work our way safely to as normal conditions as we can get,” Gov. Gordon said May 13.

Tables will be limited to six people, but unlike most states with similar regulations, people from different households will be allowed to sit at the same table. Buffet service is not allowed, and tables must be separated by at least 6 feet. All restaurant employees must be screened for Covid-19 symptoms before beginning work.

Movie theaters and salon are being allowed to open with social distancing, and public gatherings of up to 25 people will be allowed.

The state will allow gatherings of up to 250 people, beginning July 1, the governor said May 27. But at the same time, the state announced that upward of a dozen rodeos and related events across the state will not take place this year.

Among the events being canceled is Cheyenne Frontier Days, which organizers say is the world’s largest indoor rodeo.

The health orders are set to expire on May 31. Some counties have been given permission to loosen regulations even more.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Memorial Day, May 25, 2020

May 22, 2020

Memorial Day is intended for the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Perhaps an appropriate greeting in commemorating Memorial Day then is, “I hope you have a meaningful day” – a reminder of the somber importance of the souls lost in service on our behalf, in preserving our freedoms and liberty.

Keep well during this Memorial Day weekend and, as always,

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Armed Forces Day, Temporary Financial Assistance and Police Week 2020

May 14, 2020

May is reserved for National Military Appreciation Month, with the third Saturday of the month deemed Armed Forces Day (May 16, 2020). May also hosts National Police Week, beginning on its second Sunday (May 10 – May 16, 2020). This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, notes a marked difference in the traditional commemorations and special benefits offered during this period.

For Military: Incorporated in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, The American Legion, celebrates Armed Forces Day with a complete listing of programs and benefits and very importantly during this worldwide health crisis; offers Temporary Financial Assistance for qualifying veterans and active duty military. TFA can be used for shelter, food, utilities and medical expenses.

For Law Enforcement: From National FOP President Pat Yoes:  “The FOP and its Auxiliary will be unable to host the 39th Annual National Peace Officers’Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. due to the COVID19 pandemic. This decision was a difficult one, but we believe it is the right one.”

Those wishing to honor the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice may do so by lighting a virtual candle in their memory: https://nleomf.org/virtual-candle

We wish all of our veterans, servicemembers and law enforcement officers and those who work on their behalf safety and good health, this week, month and always.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

The 171 Best Military Discounts of 2020

May 07, 2020

As the nation begins to reopen, many will venture out to stores and malls again. And, we’re sure, continue with online ordering. For our veterans, servicemembers and their families (and in many instances, government employees) we bring you the following list – organized by Deal News – of the best military discounts of 2020. Happy shopping!

Store	Discount	Eligibility
1-800-Flowers	20% off Verify identity with ID.me	Military members, veterans, and family
24 Hour Fitness	$0 initiation and $5 off monthly dues for select basic memberships	Active duty, reservists, retirees and spouses
Abercrombie & Fitch	10% to 15% off in-store	Varies
Advance Auto Parts	10% off regularly priced items, in-store only	Active duty, reservists, retirees, veterans receiving VA benefits, and immediate family
Allegiant Air	Free checked bags, free carryon bags, free oversized bags, other waived fees	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and dependents
Allen Edmonds	15% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty and veterans
AMC Theatres	10% off evening showings, purchases at the box office only	Active duty
American Airlines	Discounted fares Must call for military fares	—
American Eagle Outfitters	10% to 15% off	Varies
Amtrak	10% off select fares (includes Auto Train)	Active duty, spouses, and dependents
Anthem Wheels	15% off a set of regularly priced Anthem wheels	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and disabled military personnel
Apple	10% off select items Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, National Guard, reservists, veterans, and immediate family members
Ashley Stewart	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Military members, veterans, and family members
AT&T	Multiple discounts on wireless, TV, and internet services	Active duty and veterans
Atkins	15% off bars and shakes	Active duty and veterans
Audi	Discounts on purchases and other benefits	Active duty
Auto Accessories Garage	5% to 20% off	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and reservists
Avis	Up to 25% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and their families
Banana Republic	10% off on the 1st of every month	Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and dependents
Bass Pro Shops	5% off	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
Beachbody	Business Service Fee waived for service members who want to become Beachbody Coaches	Active duty, reservists, those wounded in action, and honorably discharged veterans, and spouses
Beaches by Sandals	10% off promotional rates	Active duty, retirees, spouses, reservists, National Guard, and veterans
Best Western	At least 10% off	Active duty and veterans
BMW	Discounts on leases and purchases Requires USAA membership	Active duty, veterans, family, cadets and midshipmen
Bodybuilding.com	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, reservists, National Guard, retirees, spouses, and eligible dependents
Bonobos	20% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and family
Buckle	10% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and dependents
Budget	Up to 25% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and family
Burger King	10% off	Varies by location
BURST Oral Care	25% off Verify identity with ID.me	Military members, veterans, and family
Cabela’s	5% off	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
Carhartt	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and family
CARiD	10% off	Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and immediate family
Carnival Cruise Lines	Discounted fares, reduced deposits, free upgrades	Active duty and retirees
Carter’s	Free shipping on $50 to APO and FPO addresses	Active duty
Champion	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and family
Champs Sports	20% off most purchases Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, retirees receiving military benefits, spouses, and eligible dependents
Chick-fil-A	Varies	Varies by location
Choice Hotels	Discounted rates	Active duty and retirees
Chuck E. Cheese’s	Varies	Active duty, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and dependents
Cicis	Varies	Varies
Cinemark	Varies	Active duty, retirees, and dependents
Cobra	20% off	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and family
Cole Haan	20% off	Active duty, veterans, retiriees, National Guard, and reservists
Coleman	35% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
Columbia	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and family
Costco	Over $60 in savings when you join as a new member Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, and family
Cove Security	Up to $400 of security equipment, six months of monitoring, and a 60-day trial for $150 Verify identity with VerifyPass	Active duty, veterans, and family
CVS	20% off orders and free shipping Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, and eligible family members
Dagne Dover	20% off	Active duty
Dell	10% off Must email militarydiscount@dell.com for pricing	Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and dependents
Delta	Discounted fares Must call for military fares	Active duty
Delta Vacations	Up to $300 off select vacations and 500 extra bonus miles per person via military email address certification	Active duty and travel companions
Dickies	10% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and eligible dependents
Disney Cruise Line	Discounted fares on select sailings	Active duty, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and spouses
Disney World	Discounted park tickets, discounted lodging at Shades of Green resort	Active duty, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and spouses. Additionally, Veterans get discounts at Shades of Green
Disneyland	Discounted park tickets on select dates	Active duty, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and spouses
Dollar Rent A Car	5% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, and reservists and family
Eastbay	20% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and eligible dependents
Eddie Bauer	10% to 15% off	Active duty, retirees, reservists, and dependents
El Pollo Loco	15% off	Active duty
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	Discounted rates Other than active duty military, discounts require Veterans Advantage membership or VFW membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, and reservists and family
Expedia	Complimentary upgrade to +gold status in rewards program Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, guards, spouses, and dependents
Express	15% off	All military personnel
Extended Stay America	Discounted rates	Active duty
Fanatics	30% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and dependents
Foot Locker	20% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, retirees, disabled veterans with 30% or higher rating, and eligible dependents
Footaction	20% off	Active duty, retirees, and eligible spouses and dependents
Ford/Lincoln	Military Appreciation Cash towards purchases Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, retirees, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and dependents
Gap	10% off on the 1st of every month	Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and dependents
Geico	Up to 15% off	Active duty, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
General Motors	Discounts on purchases and leases, sometimes bonus cash Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and retirees
Gold’s Gym	Discounted membership Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty and veterans
Great Wolf Lodge	Up to 30% off	Active and retired military
Greyhound	10% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership to book tickets online	Active duty, retirees, and family members
Hanes	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and family
Hard Rock Cafe	15% off	Active duty
Harley-Davidson	Discounts on purchases, discounted motorcycle storage, free merchandise shipping to AFO, FPO, or DPO addresses	Active duty
Helzberg Diamonds	10% off purchases Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, retirees, disabled veterans, and eligible dependents
Hertz	Discounted rates	Active duty
Hickory Farms	Free shipping to APO or FPO addresses for select purchases	Anyone shipping to military personnel
Hilton Hotels and subsidies	Discounted rates on lodging	Active duty
Home Depot	10% off	Active duty, retirees, disabled veterans, reservists, spouses, and dependents
Honda	$500 off select new models when financed through Honda	Active duty, retirees, veterans within 12 months of separation from active service, reservists, and spouses
Hyatt Hotels and subsidiaries	Discounted rates	Active duty and veterans
Hyundai	$1,000 off select new models	Active duty, veterans, retirees National Guard, and reservists
Indian Larry Motorcycles	15% off Verify identity with ID Discount	All military personnel
Infiniti	Discounts on leases and purchases	All military personnel
Jeep	$500 Military Bonus Cash toward purchases or leases	Active duty, retirees, and veterans within 12 months of discharge
JetBlue	5% off	Active duty
Jiffy Lube	25% off most services	Active duty and veterans
Jo-Ann Fabric	15% off	Active duty, veterans, and their spouses and dependents
Jockey	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and family
Kohl’s	15% off on Mondays	Active duty, veterans, and family
L.L. Bean	10% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, reservists, and retirees
Lady Foot Locker	20% off most purchases Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, retirees receiving military benefits, and eligible family
Lenovo	7% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, reservists, veterans, and immediate family
Lowe’s	10% off eligible purchases	Active duty and veterans
Marriott and subsidiaries	Discounted rates	Active duty
Massage Envy	$60 off annual membership	Active duty
Mazda	$500 Bonus Cash toward purchases or leases	Active duty, reservists, veterans within 2 years of separation from active service, and family
Merrell	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and spouses
Michaels	15% off in-store purchases	Active duty, veterans, spouses, and eligible family members
Microsoft	10% off select products in the Microsoft Store, 30% off Office 365	Active duty, veterans, and family
Motel 6	Up to 10% off	Active duty, retirees, and family
National Car Rental	Discounted rates for all military personnel, 20% off for Veterans Advantage members Some discounts require Veterans Advantage membership	Varies
National Park Service	Free annual pass	Active duty and their dependents, reservists, and National Guard
New York & Company	30% off in-store purchases Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, and family
Nike	10% off online purchases	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and reservists
Nissan	Up to $1,000 off purchases and leases	Active duty, reservists, retirees, and veterans within 24 months of active duty
O’Reilly Auto Parts	10% off most in-store purchases	Active duty, retirees, reservists, veterans, and eligible family
Oakley	Discounted sunglasses	Active duty, National guard, and reservists
Old Navy	10% off on the 1st of every month	Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and dependents
Orvis	10% off online purchases Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and eligible family
Outback Steakhouse	10% off lunch and dinner	Military personnel and their immediate family members
Overstock.com	Free Club O Gold membership Verify identify with ID.me	Active duty and veterans
Penske	10% off truck rentals	Active duty, veterans, and their families
Pep Boys	10% off in-store purchases	Active duty and retirees
Pier 1	10% off in-store purchases	Active duty, retirees, and their families
PODS	10% off for military moves	Active duty, retirees, and veterans
Pottery Barn	15% off in-store purchases	Active duty, retirees, and their families
Princess Cruises	Up to $250 free onboard spending money	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and disabled military personnel
ProFlowers	Discounts on select flowers	Active duty
Quiksilver	15% off online purchases Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and eligible dependents
Rack Room Shoes	10% off in-store purchases every Tuesday	Active duty
Ray-Ban	15% off Verify identity with ID.me	Military members, veterans, and family members
Red Roof Inn	15% off for military personnel, 20% off for Veterans Advantage members Some discounts require Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and family
Reebok	30% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty and veterans
Regal Entertainment Group	Discounted tickets, purchases at the box office only	Active duty and veterans
Rosetta Stone	10% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, and reservists
Roxy	15% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and family
Royal Caribbean	Discounted fares on select sailings	Active duty, retirees, veterans, and spouses
Samsung	Up to 30% off	Active duty
Sherwin-Williams	15% off paints, stains, and painting supplies	Active duty, veterans, reservists, and spouses
Showcase Cinemas	Special pricing	Active duty and dependents
SiriusXM	25% off subscription	Active duty, veterans, retirees, and reservists
Six Flags	20% off 1-day General Admission ticket	Active duty
Southwest Airlines	Discounted fares Must call for military fares	Active duty and dependents
Sprint	50% off additional lines on Unlimited Military plan	Active duty, veterans, and reservists
Subaru	$500 off	Active duty and reservists, and veterans and retirees who left the service within the last 12 months
Sunglass Hut	15% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, retirees, veterans, and military spouses and family members
T-Mobile	Discounted One Military plan	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
Take 5 Oil Change	25% off (can vary by location)	Varies by location
Targus	25% off online purchases	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and family
Taylor Made Golf	15% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active, veterans, retirees, spouses, and family
Texas de Brazil	20% off lunch and dinner	Active duty and veterans
Thrifty Rent-A-Car	5% off car rentals Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and family
TIDAL	Discounted plans	Must be able to confirm eligibility
Tiffany & Co.	10% off engagement rings and wedding bands	Active duty, reservists, and veterans
Timberland	20% off	Active duty, retirees, and reservists
Tommy Hilfiger	15% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty and veterans
Tommy John	20% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and dependents
Toms	10% off full-priced items	Active duty and veterans
Toyota	$500 off select new models when financed through Toyota	Active duty, eligible household members, and retirees and veterans within 1 year of retirement or discharge
TurboTax	Discounted software	Active duty and reservists
Twiddy & Company Realtors	Up to 10% off vacation rental homes	Active duty and retirees
Under Armour	10% off online and in-store purchases Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, retirees, spouses, and family
United Airlines	Up to 5% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and eligible family members
Universal Studios	Discounted tickets at Orlando and Hollywood parks	Active duty and retirees at both parks; disabled veterans, spouses, and dependents at Hollywood
Verizon Fios	Up to $120 off per year	Active duty, veterans, National Guard, and reservists
Verizon Wireless	Discounted plans	Active duty, veterans, cadets, and family
Volkswagen	$500 bonus on select new models	All military personnel
Williams-Sonoma	10% off electrics and 15% off in-store purchases	Active duty, retirees, and their families
Wilsons Leather	10% off	Active duty, veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible dependents
Worx	10% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veteran, National Guard, reservist, and family
Wrangler	10% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, retirees, spouses, and family
Wyndham Hotels and subsidiaries	Up to 20% off Requires Veterans Advantage membership	Active duty, veterans, retirees, family members
Yankee Candle	10% off purchases	Active duty, retirees, and their immediate families
YETI	30% off Verify identity with ID.me	Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
YMCA	Free membership and childcare	Active duty and family
Zappos	10% off Verify identity with SheerID	Active duty, veterans, and retirees

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Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Passport Operations in Response to COVID-19

April 30, 2020

(Information as of April 15, 2020 to date)

Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, the U.S. State Department has limited U.S. passport operations. Unless you have a life-or-death emergency, you should wait to apply for or renew your passport until they resume normal operations. 

What if I have an emergency and need to get a passport quickly? The State Department is only able to offer in-person service at their agencies or centers for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours. Learn more below to see if you qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment.

Can I still apply? Unless you have a life-or-death emergency, you should wait to apply for or renew your passport until the State Department resumes normal operations. While you can still apply in person for a U.S. passport at some acceptance facilities and renew through the mail, the State Department will not be able to meet their commitment of 6-8 weeks door-to-door for routine service. You should expect significant delays beyond this time period it normally takes to receive your passport and your citizenship evidence documents. 

Can I expedite my passport? No. The State Department suspended in-person expedited service (normally 2-3 weeks door-to-door) on March 19 and are not offering this service to any applicants.

What if I applied before March 20? Expedited Service: Due to limited staffing resulting from COVID-19, the State Department still working on a small number of expedited applications submitted on and before March 19. While every effort is being made to the commitment of 2-3 weeks door-to-door service, you may experience additional delays if you applied and requested expedited service on or before March 19.

Routine Service: Due to limited staffing resulting from COVID-19, if you applied and requested routine service on or before March 19, receipt of your passport may extend beyond the usual 6-8 weeks door-to-door service. You should expect significant delays beyond this time period it normally takes to receive your passport and your citizenship evidence documents.

Sending Mail: If you received a letter from the U.S. Passport Service requesting additional documents or information to process your passport application, you may mail your response to the address in the letter. Expect significant processing delays.

What qualifies as a life-or-death emergency?

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (e.g., parent, child, spouse, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc.) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 days). You must provide:

• A passport application with supporting documents
• Proof of the life-or-death emergency such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional. Documents must be in English or translated in English.
• Proof of international travel (e.g. reservation, ticket, itinerary) specific to the emergency

To make an appointment at a passport agency or center for a life-or-death emergency, you must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) on Monday- Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, except federal holidays. Call 202-647-4000 outside of these hours to make an appointment. 

Passport agencies in Connecticut, New York, and San Juan are closed to the public until further notice.

Can I apply in person now? Unless you have a life-or-death emergency, you should wait to apply for your passport until we resume normal operations.

If you need to apply in person (all children under age 16 and first-time applicants), most post offices are still accepting applications and requiring customers to make an online appointment.

Most libraries and clerks of court are not accepting U.S. passport applications at this time. Please contact the library or clerk of court directly to confirm the status of its operations.

Can I renew now? Unless you have a life-or-death emergency, you should wait to renew your passport until we resume normal operations.

You may be eligible to renew your U.S. passport by mail. If you are eligible to renew, you can complete the process by yourself and should not go to an acceptance facility. Follow the instructions on Form DS-82 and send your application and supporting documents to one of the addresses marked for routine service. Do not send the application to the expedited service address and do not include the $60 expedite fee.  The U.S. Passport Service will not be able to meet the usual commitment of 6-8 weeks door-to-door for routine service. Expect significant delays beyond this time period it normally takes to receive your passport.

VPAA Message: Unless it is a truly urgent matter or an emergency, please restrict your foreign travel as many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are not currently staffed or minimally so.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

STATE BY STATE RE-OPENINGS

April 23, 2020

Governors are beginning to announce timelines for relaxing strict measures taken to mitigate the coronavirus. Many states are dropping stay-at-home orders beginning May 1, while several states have not yet announced an end to restrictions.

At the federal level, President Trump last week issued guidelines “that will allow governors to take a phased and deliberate approach to reopening their individual states.

“Governors will be empowered to tailor an approach that meets the diverse circumstances of their own states,” Trump said. “And some states will be able to open up sooner than others.”

Health officials are warning states not to reopen businesses or allow large gatherings too quickly, for fear of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. But governors are under pressure to stimulate local economies that have been hit hard by closures. Many states plan a phased approach to reopening in an effort to balance priorities.

Here are the reopening timelines announced so far by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Alabama Alabama’s stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Kay Ivey (R) plans to follow state task force recommendations, which include first allowing small retailers, restaurants and other businesses to reopen with protective measures in place.
Schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

Alaska Alaska’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 21. Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced April 15 that nonessential medical procedures could restart May 4.
K-12 schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

Arizona Arizona’s stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Doug Ducey (R) says he’s “working with industry and business leaders on a plan for economic recovery.” K-12 schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

ArkansasArkansas does not have a stay-at-home order. On April 18, Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) launched an economic recovery task force and said he hopes to begin to ease restrictions in the state on May 4.
Public schools are closed in the state for the rest of the school year.

California There is no set end date for California’s stay-at-home order. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has joined a multistate task force, along with Oregon and Washington, to discuss reopening. He warned that some restrictions, such as masks in restaurants and bans against large gatherings, will stay in place through the summer. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Colorado The state’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 26. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) has said social distancing measures will remain in place until “scientists are able to deliver a truly effective clinical treatment” for COVID-19. He said Monday that after April 26, the state would enter a “safer at home” phase where residents are recommended to stay home but not required to. Schools are closed through the end of the school year.

Connecticut Connecticut’s stay-at-home order expires May 20. Gov. Ned Lamont (D) has set up an advisory board to decide how to reopen the state. Connecticut is allied with Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island in a multistate effort to coordinate reopening.

Delaware Delaware’s stay-at-home order lasts until May 15. Gov. John Carney (D) has said the state is far from ready to reopen for business. Schools will be closed through the rest of the school year.
“But the overall message that we’re opening up as if it’s tomorrow for me is the wrong message here in Delaware,’’ Carney told local public radio station WHYY. “I’m still saying, stay at home. Stay safe. We’re still not out of this. We still have not peaked and we will do everything we can to open when the conditions are right.”

District of Columbia The city’s stay-at-home order expires May 15. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) extended school closures for the remainder of the school year.

Florida Florida’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) gave a task force until April 24 to come up with a plan to safely reopen the state. Beaches reopened for “essential activities” in parts of the state on April 17.
After saying he might reopen schools before the end of the school year, DeSantis said April 18 that K-12 schools would be closed for the rest of the school year.

Georgia Georgia’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced Monday he would allow some businesses, including gyms and hair salons, to reopen and elective surgeries to resume beginning April 24. Schools are closed in the state through the rest of the school year.

Hawaii Hawaii’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. David Ige (D) has said he’s taking a “phased-in” approach to reopening the state for business. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Idaho Idaho’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Brad Little (R) extended the order despite opposition within his own party. He has said some nonessential businesses can reopen on May 1, so long as they “prepare operational plans” that include limits on the number of people in a business at a time.

Illinois Illinois’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is coordinating reopening the state with the governors of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

Indiana Indiana’s stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) has warned not all restrictions will be dropped on May 1 but said that “we are thinking early May” for starting to ease some rules. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Iowa Iowa has the “equivalent” of a stay-at-home order until April 30. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) has mandated through a State Public Health Emergency Declaration that all nonessential businesses remain closed until then. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Kansas Kansas’s stay-at-home order is set to expire May 3. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said she’s working on a plan to reopen the state. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Kentucky Kentucky’s “Healthy at Home” order has no set end date. Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he plans to follow federal benchmarks for reopening.

Louisiana Louisiana’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said April 17 that the state is “not where we need to be” to reopen, but he expects to be closer by May 1. Schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

Maine Maine’s stay-at-home order is set to expire April 30. Gov. Janet Mills (D) said she is planning a “phased-in” reopening, “tailored to the demographics and various economic sectors of our state.”

Maryland Maryland does not have an end date for its stay-at-home order or its executive order to wear face coverings in any retail business or on public transportation. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has promised a “gradual rollout” of any plan to reopen. Schools are closed until May 15.

Massachusetts Massachusetts is under a stay-at-home advisory until May 4. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year, and day care centers are closed until the end of June.

Michigan Michigan’s stay-at-home order expires April 30. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said Wednesday that the state “will likely need another short-term extension of the stay home, stay safe order.”
“I do hope to have some relaxing come May 1, but it’s two weeks away and the information and the data and our ability to test is changing so rapidly it’s hard to tell precisely where we’ll be in a week from now much less two,” Whitmer told “Good Morning America” on April 17.
She also warned that large group protests of her stay-at-home order could lead to extending her order. Michigan and several other states over the weekend saw small groups protesting that stay-at-home orders infringe on personal rights.
Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Minnesota Minnesota’s stay-at-home order expires May 4. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) allowed some recreational activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting and hiking, to restart on April 18. The state’s public schools are also closed until May 4.

Mississippi Mississippi’s stay-at-home order expires April 27. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) indicated he plans to begin allowing businesses to reopen on that date. However, schools are closed through the rest of the school year.
“We can’t wait until there’s a cure to this,” Reeves told Fox News on April 19. “We can’t wait until every single person can get tested every single day to open up our economy. We have serious mental health issues going on in this country right now. And we also have a serious economic crisis going on in this country right now.”

Missouri Missouri’s stay-at-home order is set to expire May 3. Gov. Mike Parson (R) has said Missouri’s “reopening efforts will be careful, deliberate, and done in phases,” and that some local municipalities may leave restrictions in place longer than those at the state level. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Montana Montana’s stay-at-home order expires April 24. Gov. Steve Bullock (D) has announced a phased reopening starting Sunday, April 26, when churches will be allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place. Schools are allowed to reopen May 7, along with restaurants at reduced capacity. 

Nebraska Nebraska does not have a stay-at-home order. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) has said social distancing measures and closures of restaurants and other businesses will remain in place through April. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Nevada Nevada’s stay-at-home order ends April 30. Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) has said he will announce a plan to reopen the state “soon.”

New Hampshire New Hampshire’s stay-at-home order expires May 4. Gov. Chris Sununu (R) has said the state is “not anywhere near” fully reopening. Schools are closed in the state for the rest of the school year.

New Jersey New Jersey’s stay-at-home order does not have an end date. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has said “there will be blood on our hands” if the order is lifted too soon. Schools in the state are closed until May 15.

New Mexico New Mexico’s stay-at-home order ends April 30. Schools are closed for the rest of the school year. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has called for “a thoughtful, staged and flexible reopening” of the state.

New York New York’s stay-at-home order lasts until May 15. Schools are also closed until then.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has said it’s time to “start opening the valve slowly and carefully” and that upstate New York may reopen more quickly than New York City. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) has closed schools through the rest of the school year and cancelled nonessential events through June.

North Carolina North Carolina’s stay-at-home order expires April 29. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has said he does not plan “to lift the restrictions all at once.” Schools are closed until May 15.

North Dakota North Dakota does not have a stay-at-home order. However, nonessential businesses are closed in the state through April 30. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) plans to partially reopen the state on May 1. Schools are closed “until further notice” but school facilities are allowed to reopen for some activities in May.

Ohio Ohio’s stay-at-home order will expire May 1. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) says the state will begin to “open back up” on that date with a “phased-in” approach. As of Monday, schools are closed through the rest of the academic year.

Oklahoma Oklahoma has a “safer-at-home” order, which recommends people over age 65 stay home, until May 6. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) indicated he hopes the state can begin reopening May 1 if the “downward” trend in cases continues. He allowed previously suspended elective surgeries to resume as of April 24. Schools are closed for the rest of the academic year.

Oregon Oregon’s stay-at-home order does not have an end date yet. Many businesses are also closed indefinitely. Gov. Kate Brown (D) plans a “smart and deliberate” reopening for the state, beginning by allowing “non-urgent” medical procedures to restart on May 1. Schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order expires May 8. Gov. Tom Wolf (D) has said he plans to ease restrictions starting then on construction, curbside alcohol pickup and vehicle sales.
“I want to caution that we will not be resuming operations as they were in February,” Wolf said April 20. “We’re going to continue to take precautions that limit our physical contact with others, and we will closely monitor this to see if it can be done safely.”
Schools are closed the rest of the school year.

Rhode Island Rhode Island’s stay-at-home order expires May 8. Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) plans to reopen “industry by industry in phases.” Schools are closed until the end of April.

South Carolina South Carolina’s “state of emergency” order closing all nonessential businesses expires April 27. All South Carolina public schools are closed through April 30. However, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) is allowing some public beaches and retail stores, including department stores and bookstores, to reopen starting April 20. Public schools are closed through April 30.

South Dakota South Dakota does not have a stay-at-home order. Gov. Kristi Noem (R) says social distancing efforts have worked to “flatten the curve” in the state, saying the one “hot spot” was the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls. Schools are closed in the state through the rest of the year.

Tennessee Tennessee’s stay-at-home order expires until April 30. Gov. Bill Lee (R) said Monday that “the vast majority of businesses” would be allowed to re-open on May 1. He has asked that all public schools remain closed for the rest of the school year, although each individual district has to adopt his recommendation.

Texas Texas’s stay-at-home order ends April 30. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced on April 17 that state parks would reopen on April 20 and some stores could start offering “retail to go” starting April 24. He said face coverings would still be required.
State schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

Utah Utah’s equivalent of a stay-at-home order expires May 1. Gov. Gary Herbert (R) has said he hopes to reopen the state in three phases starting at the beginning of May. He said he hopes to reopen sit-down dining and gyms and allow elective surgeries starting on May 1. Herbert’s phased plan indicates some “stabilization” efforts that will likely include some ongoing social distancing continuing through September. Schools are closed through the rest of the school year.

Vermont Vermont’s stay-at-home order ends May 15. Schools are closed through the rest of the academic year.
Gov. Phil Scott (R) announced April 17 that some “low contact” businesses would be allowed to begin reopening with a two-person staff beginning April 20.

Virginia Virginia’s stay-at-home order expires June 10. All K-12 schools are closed through the rest of the school year. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) extended his order closing essential businesses through May 8.

Washington Washington’s stay-at-home order expires May 4. Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said Tuesday, “We will not be able to lift many of the restrictions by May 4.” He has said the state is “not close” to reopening.
Washington schools are closed for the rest of the school year.

West Virginia West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) has not indicated an end date for his stay-at-home order. Schools and businesses remain closed until at least April 30. He said April 15 that he has begun conversations about “transitioning into the next phase” of the state’s fight against the coronavirus.

Wisconsin Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order expires May 26. Gov. Tony Evers (D) has closed K-12 schools for the rest of the school year.

Wyoming Wyoming does not have a stay-at-home order. However, Gov. Mark Gordon (R) has used orders to prohibit gatherings of 10 or more people and close schools and businesses like restaurants. Those orders end April 30 and he indicated this week he is looking for ways to loosen restrictions.

Stay safe and keep your head on a swivel.

Your Regular License or State I.D. Will Not Allow You To Fly After October 1, 2021.

April 16, 2020

By October 1, 2021, your standard driver’s license or state-issued I.D. will not allow you to fly commercially.  Since 2006, the federal government has urged (and then, mandated), the transition to Real I.D. for advanced security purposes.

After October 1, 2021, these are the permissions related to commercial flight and federal facilities access for these three types of government photo I.D.s (excluding passports and passport cards- reported on in next week’s Bulletin):

Standard driver’s licenses will not be valid for federal purposes, such as flying commercially or accessing federal buildings and military bases.

Enhanced driver’s licenses will also require a U.S. Passport for boarding domestic and international flights and entering federal buildings and installations.

Real I.D. will allow immediate access to commercial domestic and foreign flights and all federal buildings and installations.

A REAL ID is optional and is not needed for the following:

• Being licensed to drive
• Voting or registering to vote
• Entering Federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification
• Applying for or receiving Federal benefits
• Accessing health or life preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings)
• Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations

However, by October 1, 2021, all citizens, legal residents and all other persons working or studying in the U.S. and its territories, and in situations requiring a government i.d., will be required to have a validated enhanced state I.D. or, a fed-state”Real ID”.  Below are the specifics.

What:   The REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, enacted May 11, 2005, is an Act of Congress that modified U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for the state driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.

Data requirements

A Real ID-compliant form of identification requires, at a minimum, the following pieces of data:

• Full legal name
• Signature
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Unique, identifying number
• Principal residence address
• Resident status
• Front-facing photograph of the applicant

Real I.D.s must also feature specific security features intended to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes. These cards must also present data in a common, machine-readable format (bar codes, Smart card technology, etc.).

The law set forth certain requirements for state driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted by the federal government for “official purposes”, as defined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Secretary of Homeland Security has currently defined “official purposes” as presenting state driver’s licenses and identification cards for boarding commercially operated airline flights and entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants.

Each state must agree to share its motor vehicle database with all other states. This database must include, at a minimum, all the data printed on the state drivers’ licenses and ID cards, plus drivers’ histories (including motor vehicle violations, suspensions, and points on licenses) and include resident status.

When: The effective date of the Real ID Act implementation deadline until October 1, 2020.

Why: Doesn’t matter.  It’s federal law.

Please visit www.dhs.gov for more REAL ID info.

COVID-19 State by State Rules and Restrictions

April 9, 2020
Editor’s note: This information is an aggregate of that disseminated on the U.S. State Department’s site and by various news media outlets.

At the VPAA, we are carefully monitoring the rapidly-evolving state COVID-19 rules, orders and guidance. Choose from the state menu below to access the latest information in the states we are tracking. 

A State-by-State Resource Please click on the state you are interested in to view state-specific information:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Dist. of Col.
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

State & Local Update as of April 7, 2020
California: Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-44-20 (“Order”) in an apparent effort to protect the State’s consumers against possible price gauging for certain essential goods. The Order limits the ability of businesses or individuals to increase the prices for those goods from now until September 4, 2020. The Order creates two limitations on price increases. First, if business sold any of the below goods on February 4, 2020, the business cannot increase the costs of those goods by more than 10 percent above the price it sold those goods for on February 4, 2020. Next, if the business did not sell one or more of the goods on February 4, 2020, then the business cannot sell the good a price that is 50 percent greater than (a) the cost to procure the good or (b) the costs produce and sell the good.
The goods covered by the Order are: food items, consumer goods, medical or emergency supplies, and any other materials designated as Scarce or Threatened Materials under Defense Production Act.

Colorado: On April 6, 2020, Governor Polis extended numerous existing Executive Orders issued over the last month to prevent the spread and mitigate impacts of COVID-19. In addition, Governor Polis ordered a one-month extension for the filing and remitting of State and State-administered local taxes to May 20, 2020.Each of the following Executive Orders are extended and otherwise remain relatively unchanged:

• The State’s stay-at-home order, Executive Order D 2020-17, and the corresponding Public Health Order 20-24 are extended to April 26, 2020;
• The orders requiring the closure of all downhill ski areas, Executive Orders D 2020-004 and D 2020-006, are extended to April 30, 2020;
• The order suspending all voluntary or elective surgeries or procedures and requiring the preservation of personal protective equipment, Executive Order D 2020-009, is extended to April 26, 2020:
• The order permitting the issuance of marriage licenses despite the closure of county clerk and recorder offices, Executive Order D 2020-14, is extended to April 30, 2020;
• Executive Order D 2020-11, which suspends various statutory requirements to allow alcohol deliveries by restaurant and breweries, online retail marijuana sales, online driver’s license renewals, and the “in person” requirements related to the application and issuance of permits to carry concealed handguns, among others, is extended to April 30, 2020,
• The order permitting remote notarial services, Executive Order D 2020-019, is extended to April 30, 2020; and
• The limitation on evictions, foreclosures, and utility disconnections established by Executive Order D 2020-012 are extended to April 30, 2020.

Connecticut: On April 5, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order. No. 7U which protects health care professionals and health care facilities, including nursing homes and field hospitals, from lawsuits for acts or omissions undertaken in good faith in support of the state’s COVID-19 response; and protects those who are uninsured and those who are insured and are treated by an out-of-network emergency services health care provider from surprise bills and other significant costs.

Delaware: On April 6, Governor Carney issued the Tenth Modification to his State of Emergency declaration, banning all short-term rental units – including vacation home rentals, hotels, motels, and condo rentals – to help fight the spread of COVID-19.The Tenth Modification also made substantial changes to the Fourth Modification to State of Emergency, which outlined Essential Businesses. The Tenth Modification added several additional businesses to the definition of “Non-Essential Businesses” including, but not limited to, all other businesses not included in the definition of Essential Businesses or Limited Operation Non-Essential Businesses.The Tenth Modification also mandated that Non-Essential Businesses and Limited Operation Non-Essential Businesses shall be closed until May 15 or until the public health threat has been eliminated, and Non-Essential Businesses shall not transact business via curbside pickup.The Tenth Modification also addressed remote meetings of Stockholders. If, as a result of the public health threat, the board of directors wishes to change a meeting currently noticed for a physical location to a remote meeting, the board may notify stockholders of the change by a document publicly filed by the corporation with the SEC pursuant to § 13, § 14 or § 15(d) of the SEC Act and a press release posted on the corporation’s website. The corporation may also postpone the meeting to another date and time.

Kansas: Governor Kelly issued an Order prohibiting the gathering of more than ten people. This order replaced Order 20-14 which provided exemptions for religious gatherings and funeral services, as well as libraries, restaurants and bars, and grocery stores, among others, where social distancing was followed. Executive Order 20-18 now applies the ten person gathering limitation to attendees of religious gatherings and funerals as well, with the exception of those conducting the religious services or funeral services. The order still exempts libraries, restaurants and bars, and grocery stores, among others, where social distancing can be followed.

Maine: Governor Mills issued an Order expanding telehealth services, and temporarily relaxing certain licensing requirements for healthcare providers. This Order allows all health care providers licensed by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) to: provide telehealth services; extend license expiration dates; and not have to complete continuing education requirements for a certain period. In addition, certain health care providers licensed by OPOR, such as respiratory care therapists and pharmacists may: receive a temporary license to provide health care in person or through telehealth, with no application fee, if currently licensed in another state; and reactivate their Maine license immediately, with no application fee, if retired within the last three years.

Massachusetts: Governor Baker announced a new financial package to support health care providers, including an additional $800 million in support. The funds will be available for distribution starting this month and through July, and include more than $400 million to hospitals to address lost revenue and increased costs during COVID-19 treatment. He also announced new testing measures making testing more accessible.

New Hampshire: Governor Sununu issued an Executive Order suspending all non-essential accommodations for hotels and short-term rentals in New Hampshire.

New Jersey: Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 119 on Tuesday April 4. The order extends the Public Health Emergency declared in Executive Order No. 103, stating that the public health crisis continues to exist. Order No. 119 also notes that all executive orders adopted under Governor Murphy’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act to respond to the Public Health Emergency remain in full force and effect. The Order does not provide an end date to the declaration of the Public Health Emergency.

New Mexico: Consistent with the actions of governors from around the Nation, Governor Grisham extended a variety of Executive Orders put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 and alleviate its impacts on people and businesses.On April 6, 2020, Governor Grisham extended the following Executive Orders to May 1, 2020:

• Executive Order 2020-12, closing all New Mexico public schools for the duration of the 2019-2020 academic year;
• Executive Order 2020-13, requiring all persons traveling to New Mexico via an airport to self-isolate for fourteen days;
• Executive Order 2020-14, authorizing funding for the purchase of personal protective equipment, testing supplies, and other related materials;
• Executive Order 2020-15, allowing the provision of notarial services through remote audio-video technology;
• Executive Order 2020-16, suspending the accrual of late fees or penalties for all registrations, licenses, or other privileges under the State’s Motor Vehicle Code; and
• Executive Order 2020-17, permitting overweight vehicles and loads to carry up to 88,000 pounds of relief supplies, including food, beverages, medicine, medical supplies, and clothing.

New York: Governor Cuomo on Tuesday April 7 signed Executive Order No. 202.14. The order extends most provisions of Executive Order 202 and each successive order, which has not been superseded, for thirty days to May 7, 2020. The order did not extend the in-person business restrictions and workplace restrictions, which still are effective through April 29, 2020.The order also requires that any entity that possesses personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, respirators, bi-pap, anesthesia, or other necessary equipment or supplies as determined by the Commissioner of Health must inventory such supplies and report it to the Department of Health. The order allows the Department to “shift any such items not currently needed or needed in the short term future by a health care facility, to be transferred to a facility in urgent need of such inventory.” The Department must either return the inventory as soon as it is “no longer urgently needed” or ensure compensation is paid for it at the prevailing market rate at the time of acquisition.           

North Dakota: Governor Burgum signed an executive order, suspending visitation to long-term care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities and basic care facilities.

Ohio: Governor Mike DeWine announced the state is expanding healthcare services at alternative sites. Furthermore, Lt. Governor Husted announced that the administration’s Dispute Resolution Commission, which was initially announced last week, is now prepared to receive submissions from essential businesses as well as county health departments. The panel will specifically seek to resolve disputes when two county health departments disagree on whether a type of business should or should not be deemed essential during the state of emergency. The purpose of the commission is to provide clarity and ensure that similarly-situated businesses are treated fairly, regardless of which side of a county line they operate.

Rhode Island: Governor Raimondo issued two executive orders. Executive Order 20-17, issued April 7, requires hospitals to submit daily reports of COVID-19 data, including bed capacity, necessary supplies, and hospital bed utilization to state and federal authorities. It further requires testing entities to report results to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Executive Order 20-16 suspends certain provisionsGovernor Raimondo also issued an Executive Order on April 6, 2020 that, effective immediately, authorizes the waiver and Medicaid state plan amendments and adjustments to essential provider rates. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (“EOHHS”) is the single state agency authorized to administer the Medicaid program. The Executive Order suspends the provisions of section 42-12.4-7(1) & (2) of the Rhode Island General Laws. It gives EOHHS the authority to seek permission from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to implement a temporary waiver and temporary changes to provisions of the Medicaid State Plan such as “eligibility determinations, the provider enrollment processes, the frequency and/or duration of eligibility redeterminations, level of care or service authorizations,” among others.Additionally, the EOHHS shall designate classes of health and human services providers that (1) are facing extraordinary demand due to the COVID-19 public health emergency while also suffering disruption to their normal course of operations; (2) are necessary to keep vulnerable individuals safe in their homes to prevent further demands on health care providers; or (3) are human services providers that have been forced to respond to the unique and unanticipated circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the designated classes, EOHHS may issue temporary rates and retainer payments and adjustments.

South Carolina: On April 6, 2020, Governor McMaster signed a Stay-At-Home Executive Order that, effective April 7, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., requires any and all residents and visitors of South Carolina to limit social interactions, practice “social distancing” in accordance with CDC guidance, and take every possible precaution to avoid potential exposure to, and to slow the spread of, COVID-19. Individuals shall limit their movements outside of their home, place of residence, or current place of abode, except as allowed by the Order, for purposes of engaging in Essential Businesses, Essential Activities, or Critical Infrastructure Operations. Essential Activities include activities necessary for health and safety, obtaining supplies, outdoor exercise, and religious worship.“Essential Businesses” do not include the businesses, venues, facilities, services, and activities listed in the March 31, 2020 Executive Order, including “entertainment venues and facilities,” “recreational and athletic facilities and activities,” “close-contact service providers,” and “retail stores.”“Critical Infrastructure Operations” include:

• Individuals operating commercial vehicles transporting essential goods and products, such as food, water, medicine, medical supplies and equipment, fuels, livestock, poultry, feed, crops, individuals employed by airlines, and individuals otherwise engaged in commercial transportation activities.
• Individuals performing or assisting with military, healthcare, public safety, or emergency response operations.

All “Essential Businesses” that are allowed to continue operations must, effective April 7, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.:

• Limit the number of customers allowed to enter and simultaneously occupy the premises so as not to exceed five customers per 1,000 sq. ft. of retail space, or 20% of the occupancy limit, whichever is less,
• Follow social distancing practices, and
• Implement all reasonable steps to comply with any applicable sanitation guidelines promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, and other state or federal public officials.

South Dakota: Governor Kristi Noem announced two new executive orders on Monday, April 6. The first, Executive Order 2020-12, rescinded Executive Order 2020-08 and is effective until May 31, 2020. Order 2020-12 requires South Dakota businesses to: (1) implement the CDC recommendations for employee screenings, staggering shifts, and flexible schedules; (2) offer special shopping times for residents most vulnerable to COVID-19; and (3) suspend or modify business practices which involve ten or more people gathering in an enclosed space where social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. The order also encourages employers to limit non-essential business travel and unnecessary work gatherings and permit employees to work remotely. She also announced all schools will remain close for the rest of the school year.The second order, 2020-13, requires residents of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties over 65 years of age or with underlying medical conditions to stay home unless running essential errands or if the individual works for a critical infrastructure as determined by CISA guidance. The order expires April 27, 2020.

Texas: Donley County and Jim Hogg County have issued stay-at-home orders that will expire on April 30.Live Oak County has also issued a stay-at-home order, set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on April 15.Scurry County’s stay-at-home order, previously set to expire on April 3, has been extended until 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2020.

Washington: Governor Inslee signed a proclamation extending school closures for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The order keeps both public and private schools closed in accordance with the governor’s original order on March 13.

As always, stay safe and keep your head on a swivel. Lina Maini