Combat Injured Troops: We Salute You!
COMBAT INJURED TROOPS was formed to support our military veterans and their families through our Therapy in the Air program that makes you smile! With now three programs to assist Veterans, Combat Injured Troops goal is to be able to help military men and women including their families. There are no paid salaries in the COMBAT INJURED TROOPS organization and they are an approved 501(c) Charity.
Therapy in the Air
The All Veteran Group (AVG) through Therapy in the Air, in support of Combat Injured Troops, helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. Therapy in the Air offers an unparalleled sense of freedom mingled with excitement unlike that of any other sport.
Hometown Heroes
Our Hometown Heroes Program is designed to showcase someone from the community who has sacrificed time and effort to better his or her community. A local hero may include but not be limited to: an average citizen who saved a life, a renowned teacher, a community humanitarian, a firefighter, a paramedic or police officer. This program is not an award but a way to say thanks to Americans who have done great things.
22 a Day
The 22-A-Day project is an awareness program that exposes the little known fact that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. This is a staggering number that is often overlooked. Our military serve and protect all of us and deserve our deepest appreciation, respect and care. By educating the public, the 22-A-Day project hopes to inspire more people to get involved and work together by joining our resources to eradicate this problem.
The Life Chest supports Combat Injured Troops and the All Veteran Group and is proud to work closely with CIT board member and AVG Founder and CEO Mike Elliot.
Watch the Combat Injured Troops and Life Chest Promotional Video:
Watch Mike Elliot's Freedom Life Chest Testimonial:
Sword and Plough : An All American Company
Sword & Plough is a socially conscious brand that works with American manufacturers who employ veterans. The company recycles military surplus, incorporates that fabric into stylish bag designs and donates 10% of profits back to veteran organizations. A family business, sister's Emily and Betsey make sturdy and sophisticated products, whose sale will empower veteran employment, reduce waste, and strengthen civil-military understanding.
"I wanted to create something that would emotionally and physically touch civilians in their everyday lives and remind them, in a beautiful way, of the challenges our country and servicemen face." - Sword and Plough
Check out their beautiful line of products as well as more of their incredible story at https://www.swordandplough.com/
Inspiration from The Fisher House Foundation
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.
We've been lucky to work with the Fisher House through the Ranger Group Foundation which is a proud supporter of the Fisher House™ Foundation, with Ranger Jones serving on the Board of Trustees.
"A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 71 Fisher Houses located on 24 military installations and 29 VA medical centers. Many more houses are under construction or in design. "
To find out more about the program or to contribute to the Fisher House(TM), please visit www.fisherhouse.org
A Fisher House Opening in Arizona
A New Family at a Fisher House
Group Gardening at a Fisher House
A Guide To Obtaining Your DD-214 and Receiving Your Medals
Store Your Service Medals in a Life Chest for Future Generations
A How-To Guide on Obtaining DD-214
The Freedom Life Chest™ and The Patriot Life Chest™ are the perfect place to store and memorialize a veteran’s legacy, beginning with their service medals. Their time spent in service, with valor and sacrifice, honoring and protecting our country, should be recognized and appreciated for years to come. In order to receive a veteran’s service medals however, whether it is by the veteran or by a family member, the first step is to acquire a DD-214.
So what is a DD-214? It is an official form given to you by the United States Department of Defense upon retiring, separating, or discharge from the military. In short, a DD-214 is proof and verification of your military service. Think of it as your ‘one-stop shop’ of a document: it’s the most comprehensive paperwork any military service member has, even above medical records. Whether you’re applying for a home loan or other benefits through the VA, getting ready to retire, or even trying to replace your father’s long-lost medals, obtaining your DD-214 is essential, and will help you in a multitude of ways.
You can request your military service records, and your DD-214 online, by mail, or by fax at:
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
This government website allows you to submit your request ONLINE with eVetRecs, but please note that a written signature by mail or fax is also required in this process.
Also provided on this site is the SF-180 form (in PDF form), which allows you to submit your request by MAIL or FAX.
Who Can Order Records?
You may use this system if you are:
A military veteran, or
Next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military. The next of kin can be any of the following:
Surviving spouse that has not remarried
Father
Mother
Son
Daughter
Sister
Brother
Information Required:
Your request must contain certain basic information for them to locate the service records. This information includes:
The veteran’s complete name used while in service
Service number
Social security number
Branch of service
Dates of service
Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
Place of discharge
Last unit of assignment
Place of entry into the service, if known.
All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.
If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.
Additional and Recommended Information to Have Ready:
While this information is not required, it is extremely helpful to NPRC staff in understanding and fulfilling your request:
The purpose or reason for your request, such as applying for veterans benefits, preparing to retire, or researching your personal military history.
Any deadlines related to your request. We will do our best to meet any priorities. For example, you may be applying for a VA-guaranteed Home Loan and need to provide proof of military service by a specific date.
Any other specific information, documents or records you require from your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) besides your Report of Separation (DD Form 214).
For additional details on what information may or may not be included, please see the Special Notice to veterans and Family Members regarding requests for copies of military personnel and/or medical files.
Cost:
Generally there is no charge for basic military personnel and medical record information provided to veterans, next-of-kin and authorized representatives from Federal (non-archival) records. If your request involves a service fee, you will be notified as soon as that determination is made.
However, Archival OMPFs are subject to the NARA fee schedule that authorizes the Agency to collect fees from the public for copies of archival records (44 USC 2116c and 44 USC 2307).
Online, mailed and faxed archival requests require the purchase of the COMPLETE photocopy of the OMPF:
A routine OMPF of 5 pages or less: $25 flat fee
A routine OMPF of 6 pages or more: $70 flat fee (most OMPFs fall in this category)
Persons of Exceptional Prominence (PEP) OMPF: $.80 cents per page ($20 minimum)
We want to honor the sacrifice and bravery of our country’s veterans as well as protect and secure their legacy, whether it’s through a Life Chest itself, or extending a helping hand. The dedication to the values of honor, courage and commitment should be recognized through family and friends forever more.
“With the development of The Life Chest I now realize that these moments and stories can be shared by family and friends because the silent voice of each item is a piece of me… the essence of who I am. Thank you for giving the vehicle to share the path I have walked and the path I will explore.”
– Mike Elliott, Golden Knight and founder of The All Veteran Group
John Williams
Veteran
John is a small business owner and served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Wounded in the war he was awarded a Purple Heart. Now retired, John enjoys spending time on his Virginia ranch with his wife Catherine. Every Christmas their six grandchildren come to visit, and it’s become a family tradition to go through Granddad’s Life Chest after dinner.
John’s Freedom Life Chest
The Contents
Keychain from his first car
His father’s watch
Dog tags
Letters from his wife she sent while he was serving
Sergeant Chevron
Purple Heart
Photos of Vietnam & guys from his unit
PTSD and Veterans Disability Benefits – A Brief Overview
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is commonly misunderstood and underestimated by the VA. To better serve our disabled vets, the veterans advocates at Hill & Ponton have put together a comprehensive PTSD Guide to help them through the VA disability claims process and receive the best compensation outcome possible.
Part 1: What is PTSD?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) classifies PTSD as a trauma and stressor-related disorder. PTSD is described by the DSM-V as “re-experiencing an extremely traumatic event (called the stressor), usually accompanied by increased arousal, nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and remembering.
PTSD is diagnosed based on criteria that look at different types of symptoms. There are four different groups of symptoms that PTSD diagnostic criteria take into account. These four groups, and examples of each, include:
Intrusion Symptoms: nightmares related to the traumatic event, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts or memories, psychological and physical reactivity to reminders of the traumatic event.
Avoidance Symptoms: avoiding situations that remind you of the traumatic event, avoiding thoughts or feelings connected to the traumatic event.
Negative Changes in Cognitions & Mood: memory problems, negative thoughts/beliefs about one’s self or others, severe emotions related to the trauma such as shame or sadness, reduced interest in activities enjoyed prior to the traumatic event, feeling detached, isolated, or disconnected from others.
Changes in Arousal & Reactivity: feeling jittery or always on alert, and an easy startle response.
Part 2: Getting PTSD Service-Connected
There are three elements to establishing service connection for PTSD. First, there must be a current diagnosis of PTSD from an expert the VA deems competent to diagnose PTSD. Second, there must be credible evidence showing that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred. Third, there must be medical evidence showing a causal relationship (nexus) between the current symptoms/PTSD diagnosis and the in-service stressor. Let’s take a closer look at each of these elements:
Current Diagnosis: According to the VA, a current diagnosis of PTSD must be made by “professionals qualified to perform PTSD Compensation and Pension examinations (C&P exams).” Qualified professionals are those who have doctoral-level training in psychopathology, diagnostic methods, and clinical interview methods. They must also have a working knowledge of the DSM-V and extensive clinical experience the diagnosis and treatment of veterans with PTSD. Examples of qualified professionals include board-certified psychiatrists and licensed psychologists, as well as psychiatric residents and psychology interns (if under close supervision of an attending psychiatrist or psychologist). In addition to the requirement of having a qualified professional diagnosis you with PTSD, that diagnosis must conform to the DSM-V criteria.
In-Service Stressor: Proving the occurrence of an in-service stressor is oftentimes the most complicated part of getting PTSD service connected. There are many special rules on how veterans can prove that their claimed in-service stressor did in fact happen. For example, there are different rules for proving an in-service stressor based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, veterans who were engaged in combat, and veterans that suffered an in-service personal assault or trauma (including military sexual trauma).
Nexus: This is evidence that shows the in-service stressor is the cause of the veteran’s PTSD. Think of the nexus as a link between the current PTSD diagnosis and the traumatic event that occurred during service. This element requires an opinion from a medical expert. The medical expert should explain how the veteran’s symptoms are the result of their in-service stressor. A medical expert becomes even more important when a veteran has multiple stressors. Their opinion can explain specifically how the veteran’s in-service stressor is the reason for their PTSD symptoms versus any stressors that may have occurred outside of service.
Part 3: Compensation & Pension Exams for PTSD
Whenever a veteran files a claim for PTSD, the VA will require the veteran undergo a Compensation and Pension Examination (C&P exam) in order to verify the PTSD diagnosis, assess the severity of symptoms, and determine whether the condition is related to service. It is important for veterans to be as honest and forthright with the C&P examiner as possible. Because of the weight the VA places on C&P exams it is also important to be prepared for the exam. The following are tips for getting the most out of a PTSD C&P exam:
Bring a written list of symptoms that can help refresh your memory during the exam.
If one of your treating medical providers has provided a favorable opinion related to your PTSD, it doesn’t hurt to bring this with you and give it to the C&P examiner for consideration.
Bring written statements from family or friends that have observed how PTSD affects your life. For example, a statement from a spouse describing anger problems and difficulty dealing with authority.
Part 4: How the VA Rates PTSD
Once a veteran receives service connection for their PTSD, the VA will assign a rating. This rating represents the average impairment in earning capacity resulting from the veteran’s PTSD symptoms. PTSD is rated under the criteria set forth in the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, which can be found here. PTSD can be rated at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, or 100% disabling. VA regulations provide that “where there is a question as to which of two evaluations shall be applied; the higher evaluation will be assigned if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned.”
When evaluating the severity of a veteran’s PTSD, the VA will consider symptoms including, but not limited to, the following:
Impairment in thought processes or communication
Grossly inappropriate behavior
Persistent danger of hurting self or others
Suicidal ideation
Intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living
Memory loss
Panic and or depression that affects the veteran’s ability to function
Impaired impulse control
Chronic sleep impairment
Decreased work efficiency
The VA should assign a rating based on all of the evidence in the veteran’s record. During its evaluation, the VA must consider the following:
The frequency, severity, and duration of the veteran’s psychiatric symptoms
The length of remissions between symptoms
The veteran’s capacity for adjustment during periods of remissions
Additionally, the purpose of VA disability benefits is to compensate veterans for impairment in earning capacity. Therefore, it is important to emphasize how PTSD symptoms affect a veteran’s ability to work and maintain gainful employment. Making sure there is evidence of how PTSD symptoms affect a veteran’s ability to work is important because the VA must assign a rating percentage based on social and occupational impairment.
Part 5: Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability & PTSD
The ultimate goal for many veterans is to get a 100% disability rating. Even if a veteran’s PTSD symptoms don’t meet the rating criteria, it is still possible to get to a 100% rating another way: total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a total disability rating (100%) may be assigned “if a person who fails to meet the schedular rating is, nevertheless, unable to obtain and maintain a substantially gainful occupation.”
As explained above, it’s important to have evidence showing the level of occupational impairment due to PTSD symptoms. This is especially important when trying to get TDIU. Make sure the VA has evidence of how PTSD symptoms affect a veteran’s ability to find a job, and how those symptoms impact their ability to keep a job. Do so by providing medical opinions, buddy statements, and treatment records discussing things such as:
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Difficulty interacting with others
Trouble with authoritative figures
Anxiety
Difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances
Inability to maintain and establish effective relationships
Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked anger
Inappropriate behavior
Part 6: After the VA Decision
The VA will issue a rating decision (RD) either granting or denying a veteran’s claim. If the veteran disagrees with the VA’s decision, they have 1 year from the date on the letter notifying the veteran of the VA’s decision to file their appeal. This is done by submitting a notice of disagreement (NOD) using the VA Form 21-0958.
If a veteran was denied service connection for PTSD, they should look closely at the RD to determine what element was missing. For example, did the C&P examiner say there wasn’t a diagnosis of PTSD? In that case, getting an opinion from a different doctor may prove extremely valuable. If the VA granted service connection, it is still important to look closely at their decision. Oftentimes the VA makes a mistake assigning the rating and/or the effective date. Again, this is a situation where getting a medical opinion is extremely helpful to show the VA that a higher rating, or earlier effective date, is necessary.
This post was contributed by Hill & Ponton, PA, a law firm specializing in veterans disability. The information within the article comes from their PTSD Guide. To see the complete guide, please visit their website: www.hillandponton.com.
White Chapel Patriot Race Testimonial
This is a letter we received from our attendance at the White Chapel Patriot Race event held here in Troy, MI on 9/11/2016. There was an unveiling of the War on Terror Monument. Several dignitaries were in attendance and received a Life Chest including L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive; Congressman David Trott; Senator Marty Knollenberg; Oakland County Commissioner Wade Fleming and, The Honorable Michael Warren, Oakland County Circuit Judge.
Life Chest Adventures in New York
By Donna Yost
President & CEO of The Life Chest Follow on Linked In
The alarm goes off, you might hit the snooze and rest for a measly nine more minutes... Or you jump out of bed and gear up for your day. You help your kids get ready. One of them drops her bowl of cereal all over your outfit, grrr... You fly out the door after handling what seemed to be ten fires all at once. An office arrival comes with its own set of challenges... Prep for your executive meeting... That conference call at 11:00 isn't going to call itself... What's on the menu for lunch...? Nothing, you just got called to a meeting you should have had yesterday... We've all been through those days. They can be both fun and challenging.
Let's take you onboard one of many days we live here at The Life Chest. NYC – New York International Bridal Fashion Week to be exact, featuring The Life Chest and Katerina Bocci, Couture Bridal Designer.
The destination? The London Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, a few short blocks from the theater district and Central Park.
Being our first experience in New York Fashion Week, the team, eyes as big as saucers, heels as high as the Empire State Building, designer fashion from head to toe with the brightest red lipstick we could find, poured ourselves into preparing for the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of our lives. In a daze of travel, hunger setting in, and the awe of the city, we maintained our focus.
Our one mission, branding The Life Chest. One of the most successful retailers in the world tagged The Life Chest as “the most soulful product on the planet”. Wow!
With dresses steaming and flowers flying, clouds of hairspray and puffs of powder, 15 of the most elegant New York City Models had donned Katerina Bocci’s 2017 Couture Collection.
Lining the runway were the best of New York’s fashion critics; cameras flashing and film crews squeezing tight to ensure every curve, jewel, and drip of romance is captured forever. Enter “The Life Chest”, equally as elegant; there to preserve every bit of New York City’s 2016 Bridal Fashion Week’s keepsakes and history for generations to come.
If we could have caught every sigh, every tear of joy, and every gasp as each of Katerina’s couture gowns entered the runway, you would now understand why we do what we do.
As if NYC Fashion Week wasn’t enough, not only does The Life Chest help us record our most amazing experiences of today, it also reminds us of our past. Jill Brzezinski-Conley, our angel, connected us to Hoda Kotb in a very divine way. Hoda, I hope you love your Glamour Life Chest as much as Jill loved hers and fill it with as many cherished moments as you can… Please visit www.jillswish.org and watch the 15 minute documentary at the end of this post. It is definitely worth your time!
NYC…It was a #LifeChestMoment to remember!
Every piece of the Life Chest Moment is soulful and rich with integrity. It feels fluid, not rigid, and like peace in our not so peaceful world.
We live in the same hectic world as we began our story above, but we control how the world is perceived by us and those around us.
There are less times where we feel anguish and more times where we feel love. This can not only be productive; it can be powerful.
NYC can have a lasting impact. We now own a mini-storage in Manhattan. Who knew that would ever happen?! The adventures we go on leave our legacy with the stories we have to tell. This is our brand. That is what The Life Chest is all about... Oh, and P.S... We already lost the key. If found, please return. :)
Bridal Celebrations at The Palace, September 11, 2016
The Life Chest is being showcased at Booth #105
Bridal Celebrations at the Palace of Auburn Hills on September 11, 2016
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS available at our booth #105, or by phone at (248) 220-4978
Print this below or save the image for $2.00 off admission!
The White Chapel Memorial Park Inaugural 5k Walk/Run to Help Our Heroes
The Life Chest will be taking part in the White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery's inaugural 5K/1 Mile Run/Walk Help Our Heroes Patriots Race on September 11, 2016.
Following the race will be the official unveiling and dedication of the one of a kind War on Terror Memorial and The Life Chest will be donating eight Freedom Military Life Chest’s to The Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Project (MW&RWP).
The Patriots Race will allow participants to run or walk down the boulevards of over 400 large American flags and past the existing memorials honoring; WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf War heroes as well as the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action memorial. The funds raised by this race will help our combat veterans who return from battle to cope with the mental and physical challenges they have suffered and endured during war.
The race proceeds will benefit The Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Project (MW&RWP). The Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Project is a 501(c)3 and is a part of the Michigan American Legion family of organizations serving and supporting veterans.
MW&RWP runs several successful programs including :
Returning veteran re-integration family retreats in Northern Michigan
PTSD and Eco-Therapy Retreats in partnership with therapists from the Michigan Psychological Association Foundation
PTSD community educational presentations
Emergency temporary financial assistance
Home accessibility modification assistance
Disability claims assistance and guidance &
Adaptive services provider, clinic and network guidance