VA’s electronic “one-stop shop” for veterans wanting tools and information regarding their claims and benefits is becoming more popular.  Created in 2007, the eBenefits web portal offers vets, troops and family members the speed and convenience only the Internet can provide.

Here is an update on who is (or is not) using the site, according to an October Stripes.com article:

• 2 million registered users
• 35 million eligible GIs. Vets and family members aren’t using the service
• 30,000 veterans use eBenefits daily to track VA compensation and pension claims
• 780,000 veterans use eBenefits monthly to view payment and reimbursement history
• 10,000 veterans, active-duty troops and Reserve and National Guard members use eBenefits monthly to print or send lenders copies of their home-loan guaranty certificate of eligibility.

Vets, troops, Reserve and Guard members, their families and survivors are eligible to use eBenefits.  Users must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and obtain a DoD Self-Service Login.  Access the site at www.ebenefits.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000 and select option 7.

The Legend of the Holly

When Christ was born in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night, a barren bush outside the stable blossomed full and bright. It bore a grim reminder  at the crown he’d one day wear; it’s prickly leaves foretold the thorns of sorrow He would bear. Amidst the green there grew strange fruit with small berries scarlet red, as crimson as the very blood our Savior was to shed. In honor of the Prince of Peace a flower pure and white, blossomed sweetly when the Lord was born that holy Christmas night.

Once A Soldier, Always A Soldier

Old soldiers never die, they just fade away – General Douglas MacArthur

Great Story…

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Thanks to Doc

Three ‘gentlemen’ are seated together on a cross-country plane trip.

After about an hour the first gentleman, by way of breaking the ice, puts down his New York Times and announces –

“My name is Johnathon Smith.” “Lt. General.” “U.S. Army.” “Retired.” “Served in Korea and Vietnam.” “Married.” “Two sons.” “Both Doctors.”

He picks up his paper and continues to read.

About half an hour later, the second gentleman puts down his Washington Post and says,

“Dillard Jones.” “Major General.” “U.S. Air Force.” “Retired.” “Served in Vietnam and Gulf War I.” “Married.” “Two sons.” “Both Lawyers.”

He then picks up his paper and continues to read.

Later on, the third man puts down his Daily Racing Form and grunts,

“Gus Miller.” “Gunnery Sergeant.” “U.S. Marines Corps” “Discharged” “Served in Korea and Vietnam and Gulf War I and Gulf War II.” “NEVER married.” “Two sons, ——– Both Generals!”