Archive for the ‘General Veteran Information’ Category
Honoring Our Military Today (Veterans Day 2010)
Thursday, November 11th, 2010Soldiers & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Infographic
Thursday, August 26th, 2010Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious disorder that many soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are dealing with. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. After the event, you may feel scared, confused, or angry. All people with PTSD have lived through a traumatic event that caused them to fear for their lives, see horrible things, or feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD.
The topic of PTSD has been receiving a lot of attention lately so we wanted to see who is feeling the affects of it within the U.S. Military and provide more definition. Hopefully this graphic below helps. Please share it and pass it along.
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Veteran and Military Credit Blog
Thursday, August 12th, 2010Checking for errors:
Creditors aren’t perfect, either
Other people make mistakes too. Even banks and credit – card payment processors. Considering that about 4.5 billion pieces of data are added to credit reports every month, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that incorrect information may show up on your credit report. And won’t even get into the unrelated problem of errors caused as a result of identity theft. There have been a number of conflicting studies on what percentage of reports contain errors and of those, how many were serious enough to affect either the terms under which credit was granted or if it was granted at all. So, you may have errors on your report or not. And they may be serious or not. But unless you are feeling really lucky, I strongly suggest you find out what’s in your report.
Still, credit –reporting agencies have a vested interest in the accuracy of the information they report. Remember: They sell it, and their reputations are on the line if their information is consistently inaccurate, If credit – reporting agencies consistently provide error – riddled data, those who grant credit won’t be as eager to pay money to get or use a bureau’s credit reports.
Getting a copy of your credit report gives you a chance to check for these errors and – better yet – get them corrected! You can have inaccurate information removed by one of two methods: contacting the credit bureau or contacting the creditor.
Contacting the credit bureau
If you notice incorrect information on your credit report, contact the credit bureau that reported the inaccurate information. VA Credit Solutions can assist you with Free Credit Repair too. Each of the three major bureaus allows you to dispute information in your credit report on its Website, or you can call the bureau’s toll free number. If you make your dispute online, you’ll need to have a copy of your credit report available; there is information on the report that will allow the bureau to confirm your identity without a signature. If you opt to call the toll free number, you’re unlikely to get a live person on the other end – this stuff is heavily automated – but you’ll be told what information and documentation you need in order to submit a written request. After you properly notify the credit bureau, you can count on action.
Credit – reporting agencies are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to investigate any disputed listings. The credit bureau must verify the item in question with the creditor at no cost to you, the consumer. The law requires that the creditor respond and verify the entry within 30 days, or the information must be removed from your credit report, and the credit reporting agency has to notify you of the outcome. If information in the report has been changed or deleted, you also get a free copy of the revised report.
Contacting the creditor
Another way to remove inaccurate information from your credit report is out – lined under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, passed in 2003 and rolled out in pieces through 2005. Under these new FACTA provisions, you can deal directly with the creditor who reported the negative information in the first place. Contact information is contained on your last billing statement from the creditor.
I strongly suggest you do everything in writing, return –receipt requested. After you dispute the information, the reporting creditor must look into the matter and cannot continue to report the negative information while it’s investigating your dispute.
For new delinquencies, FACTA now requires that you be notified if the negative information is reported to a credit bureau. That said, you may have to look closely to even see this new notice. Anyone who extends credit to you must send you a one-time notice either before or no later than 30 days after negative information – including late payments, missed payments, partial payments, or any other form of default- is furnished to a credit bureau. The notice may look something like this:
· Before negative information is reported: “We may report information about your account to credit bureaus. Late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account may be reflected in your credit report.”
· After negative information is reported: “We have told a credit bureau about a late payment, missed payment, or other default on your account. This information may be reflected in your credit report.”
The notice is not a substitute for your own close monitoring of your credit reports, bank accounts, and credit-card statements.
When A Soldier Comes Home
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
I have often thought of the trials and issues that Soldiers faces when he/she returns home from service. The trivialness of day to day life that they must adjust to is something that we don’t understand. Yet there are those that still oppose what our soldiers do and what they stand for. Do we not realize that they are protecting our freedoms, that they are preserving our way of life? They sacrifice family, love, the comforts of life and their very lives to protect what we all hold dear. Why do we not raise the Red, White and Blue every time they come off the plane? Why are there not throngs of people singing their praise? Have we become too callous to show appreciation for those that serve us? Why do we not serve those that have given everything to serve this Land of Liberty? The following has circulated on the internet and I use it because I believe that it is poignant and to the point.
When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard…
To listen to his son whine about being bored.
To keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.
To be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.
To be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night’s sleep.
To be silent when people pray to God for a new car.
To control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.
To be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.
To keep from laughing when anxious parents say they’re afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.
To keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.
To control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.
To remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.
To be civil to people who complain about their jobs.
To just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.
To be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.
The only thing harder than being a soldier. . .is loving one.
Ronald Regan said, ““If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
I believe that compassion and love need to be shown to those that serve this nation. They deserve our praise and support. If we are a God fearing nation, or a Nation that believes in doing good towards our fellow men, then this should be and easy task. God Bless the Troops and God Bless America.
How VA loan officers can show their appreciation to Veteran and Military clients.
Friday, May 21st, 2010Being in the mortgage industry for the past 8 years I have come to realize that showing appreciation to your clients is a must. If I were running my own company I would even make it mandatory for VA loan officers. If you think about the process of buying a home it would seem like the Broker holds all the cards, but in reality it’s the Solider or Veteran.
The Loan Officer works for them, not the other way around. At any time during the process of completing the application and closing of escrow, the client – if they want – can find someone else to work with. I don’t want to sound like VA loan officers have no value or bring nothing to the table, its just good to understand what my responsibility is – WHICH IS HELPING THE SOLDIER/VETERAN! Without them I cannot put food on the table, but they can still get a VA loan without me.
I hope that did not sound like a rant, I just want to get the point across of how important the Veteran is.
There are many ways that I can show appreciation for Veterans and Soldiers buying homes. Let me list some of what I have done:
1. Give them the service they deserve. When talking with them on the phone or in person be sure to thank them for their military service. Sometimes address them using their Rank – this shows respect. Be prompt in your timelines and expectations.
2. Offer the best rates. Be competitive in the marketplace. Veterans and Soldiers will know if you are giving them higher VA interest rates and higher fees. I’m not suggesting doing the loan for free, but don’t “stick it” to them either. Trying to back pedal after you’ve been “caught” offering a bad deal is not a fun situation to be in.
3. Communicate. This is key. The best clients I have are the ones where I talk with them about the process of buying a home. I always try to educate Veterans or Active Military. Before closing explain to them how the final settlement statement looks and if there are any changes regarding rates, fees etc. NEVER DO A BAIT AND SWITCH!
4. Give them something of value. This is not too much to ask. Something simple like a Home Depot gift card or a house warming gift. The most recent purchase I did was here locally in UT. There were some speed bumps along the way to say the least. At the closing table I brought in a gift basket full of over the counter medicine as a joke. I also had some dish towels for the wife. They did not expect this, but they were very grateful because it was going above and beyond the call of duty.
5. Follow up. After the dust settles and your clients have moved in or completed their refinance, call them and ask how they like their new home or lower monthly payments. Send them birthday cards or Holiday cards.
In order to be successful in this business, you must always show your Veteran/ Active military clients that you care and appreciate them. Before you know it they will be sending referrals to you and that’s when you know you have created a business partner for life.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Monday, May 17th, 2010Each year the number of US. veterans increase as soldiers returning from America’s most recent wars come home. As the survivors are welcomed home after pursuing a dutiful career serving their country, a new generation of men and women suffering from mild- to severe-traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are greeted with battled medical budgets and flawed TBI technologies, which don’t provide the necessary services and treatments required to improve their newly developed disabilities.
With an average of 1.4 million Americans undergoing some form of TBI, the number of scientists and researchers striving to cure these individuals should be ever increasing, however, dwindling budgets continue to compress and squeeze war-related brain injury funding. In 2006, the U.S. House and Senate slashed the allocated funding for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) in half from the previous year.
Traumatic brain injury is the “signature” injury of the Iraq war, according to military doctors and experts. It is imperative for struggling soldiers to find assistance with their TBI-related disability.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person’s brain is physically injured, usually by a sudden force. With military members, this is often the result of a concussive blast or explosion. It can also be caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, or any sudden blow to the head. Because the damage is internal, there may be no visible head wound.
In prior conflicts, approximately 14% – 20% of surviving casualties had a TBI.
What are the Symptoms of TBI?
Every brain injury is unique and symptoms can vary widely. Damage to different parts of the brain will result in different symptoms. TBI shares symptoms with other physical and mental health conditions, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which complicates diagnosis. Below are some of the symptoms. Having some of them, however, does not necessarily mean a person has TBI. Only a doctor can definitively identify and diagnose a TBI.
Common Symptoms Immediately After Injury
- Being Dazed, confused, or “seeing stars”
- Not remembering the injury
- Losing consciousness (being knocked out)
Common Symptoms Later On
- Persistent headache or neck pain
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Loss of balance
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Feeling tired all the time, lacking energy
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of sense of smell and taste
- Slowness in thinking, acting, speaking or reading
- Symptoms that may appear to be mental health conditions
- Sudden mood changes for little or no reason
- Difficulty managing relationships
- Chronic anxiety, depression, apathy
- Short term memory loss
- Getting lost or easily confused
- Having more trouble than usual with
- Paying attention or concentrating
- Organizing daily tasks
- Making decisions
In May 2006, the co-founder of the DVBIC testified to a Senate subcommittee that while “body armor may save troops caught in blasts it leaves many with brain damage,” according to a USA Today news report. Additionally, the article cited several disturbing statistics on the state of TBI and war veterans.
· 10 percent of all troops in Iraq suffer from concussions during combat.
· 20 percent of all frontline infantry troops suffer from concussions during combat.
· Scientists believe the Pentagon must screen all troops returning from Iraq.
· The Pentagon has declined screenings for all returning troops and only screens a small population of soldiers.
· If left untreated or untested, multiple head injuries and concussions can cause permanent brain injury.
Also, several equally disturbing statistics have been reported from several specialized journals including Brain Injury, Internal Medicine, Soldiers Magazine, MIT’s Technology Review and Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. These statistics area as follow:
· Nearly 25 percent of all military veterans of the Iraq war are diagnosed with a mental illness.
· War-related TBI patients often manifest distinct personality changes.
· Of the 35,000 soldiers screened for TBI, approximately 11 percent have had symptoms of mild TBI.
· No treatments currently exist to cure long-lasting symptoms of TBI.
While all this information may seem bleak, it is important to note that the majority of individuals who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury will completely recover in a matter of weeks to months.
Modern War Heroes – Medal of Honor Recipients
Monday, April 26th, 2010The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States Government. All branches of the U.S. Military are eligible to receive the medal. We hope you enjoy the image below.
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Related: VA Loans available to all active military and veterans.
Top 10 Most Notable Historic Sites for Veterans
Monday, February 22nd, 2010Would you like to gain more appreciation for the veterans of our country? Or maybe you are a veteran and you would like to pay respect to your fellow service men and women? There are places all over our nation to do so.
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most notable sites for veterans to visit and remember their fallen comrades before them. It is located just outside Washington D.C. on grounds of the estate formerly owned by the family of Robert E. Lee’s wife Mary Anna Lee. It was established during the American Civil War, but now veterans and military casualties from every war since are buried in this cemetery, bringing the total buried to over 300,000. There are over 70 sections to the cemetery remembering different wars. There are also many other memorials, such as a section remembering the military nurses, the men who lost their lives aboard the USS Maine, the crew of the Space shuttle Challenger, and the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns represents all of those who lost their lives and have never been identified. There is one man from each war entombed and it is constantly guarded each day. This is a great place to visit and remember all who have lost their lives in battle for their country.
The Iwo Jima Memorial is a statue just outside the walls of Arlington National Cemetery. Based off of a photo taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima, it shows soldiers raising the American flag during battle. It bears two inscriptions that explain its importance; “Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue” and “In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775″.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located in Washington D.C. is a national war memorial that honors the U.S. armed forces who died during the Vietnam War or who have still not been accounted for. It lists the names of all of those killed during the war. It consists of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the Statue of the Three Soldiers, and the most known of the three parts, the Memorial Wall that lists all of the names. It is also surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The Korean War Veteran’s Memorial is also located in Washington D.C. to remember the men and woman who served during this war. It depicts soldiers marching through Korean terrain surrounded by a black wall mirroring their images. In front of them there is a pool of remembrance. Here people can come to pay respect to American bravery.
The Alamo located in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the most historic buildings in the U.S. The building was originally constructed as a mission in 1718, and moved twice before reaching its final destination in 1724. The Battle of the Alamo occurred in 1836, where over 150 Texans died including some of Texas’s folk heroes such as David Crockett, William Barrett Travis, and Jim Bowie. A nice little hint is to go late a night when the lights reflect the bullet holes. It gives it a more intense feeling that a battle really took place.
Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii was the scene of a major attack during World War II, where the Japanese targeted the U.S. On Dec, 7 1941, six Japanese carriers launched 183 planes at Ford Island, following with a fleet of 170 planes at Pearl Harbor. Unwarned the United State’s Navy had no idea it was coming. Nine ships were completely sunk, along with 21 damaged. Many men died that day to protect the base. Today the U.S.S. Arizona still sits under water in remembrance of this devastating day.
Gettysburg Battlefieldin Pennsylvania remains a historic site for veterans still today. The battle fought betweens July 1-3, 1863 was often considered the war’s turning point and also had the most casualties. It was here that the Gettysburg address was given by Lincoln, reminding us of the equality of all people. This battle changed our country and the fallen are still remembered today.
Fort McHenrylocated in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort known for defending Baltimore Harbor against the British during the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay. It was here that Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” as he saw the American Flag rise, giving hope to all of the American Soldiers who had given up. Fort McHenry is a symbol of hope and the American Spirit.
West Point Military Academy is a 4 year coeducational federal service academy that was established in 1802. It is located in New York and played a very important role in the Revolutionary War. West Point is the longest continually occupied post in the United States. It sits on the high ground overlooking the Hudson making it a good look out to prevent the British Ships from sneaking up on them. It is home to many historic sites, landmarks, and monuments itself. Candidates must be of the highest caliber to enter, and many times must receive nomination from a congressman.
The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza was constructed to honor the veteran’s of World War I. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana it was designed to be the headquarters of the American Legion and a memorials to the state and nation’s veteran’s. In a five block radius there is an obelisk, a memorial cenotaph, and the Indiana World War Memorial. The memorial houses a museum, the Shrine Room, and an auditorium all designed to honor veterans.
There are many more places around the country honoring veterans. As well there should be. These men and woman have sacrificed their time, families, and sometimes their lives for our freedom and happiness. We should be grateful and show our respect to them. By visiting these places we can gain a greater appreciation for the service men and woman of our country.
ABOUT LOWVARATES.COM
For the past 20 years LowVARates.com has been dedicated to serving veteran homeowners. We specialize in providing VA loans to qualified veterans for mortgage purchases and refinances. These loans provide lower interest rates and monthly payments than other traditional loans.
VA loans are currently the only program left that allows no-money-down loans providing a secure mortgage option guaranteed by the Federal Government. Our professional staff and loan officers will assist you to lock in low interest rates and take advantage of the unique opportunity provided through VA loans
Top Concerns With Having a Home Security Alarm System
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010When considering if an alarm system is good for you, there are a lot of questions that arise. Some may worry people and immediately turn them away from it, merely because they don’t know the answers to these simply questions. Are they hard to install and use? Will I benefit from an alarm system? How can I afford it? What about false alarms? Let’s go over the answers to these questions so your concerns of having a Home Alarm System are settled.
Let’s talk about one of the biggest concerns of someone looking into an alarm system. How affordable are alarm systems? Will I be able to pay for it? This is an understandable question, especially in today’s economy. Lucky for us, the cost of many systems are reasonably affordable! Some companies only charge a few hundred dollars for a system. Others can charge a fee for installation and the equipment, but make up for it by lowering the monthly rates. And—this is the best part—some places provide FREE installation, and even better, if you qualify, they are willing to donate and pay for the monthly costs as well (for veterans).
Another concern for some people is learning how to use an Alarm System. Alarm Systems have been simplified and less complicated to use, thus alleviated these concerns. All you worry about is memorizing a passcode number that you put in the alarm system after it goes off. They are extremely easy to use, and anyone can do it!
A third concern is with installation. Is it a lengthy process to install? The answer to that is no, not at all! In one workday you can have your system up and running. Count on the process taking as few as 4-8 hours.
False alarms are another concern people worry about. What if it happens so often it turns into a “crying wolf” experience? The nice thing about alarms it that you can immediately cancel them yourself when they go off so this won’t happen. A false alarm can occur for a few reasons. It may be due to a system malfunction or a pet or animal/insect setting it off. You can fix this by getting a newer model, which it can detect the size and weight of what might be setting it off, and will decide if it’s a threat or not.
And finally, one last concern people may have about a home alarm system is that it won’t work if the power goes out or if the phone lines are cut. This is nothing to be worried about because most systems have cellular
