Military Officer - February 2008 - (Page 26) rapidfire Have a Ball G R&R at a Bed and Breakfast B ed and breakfasts (B&Bs) from central Texas have joined together through the Texas Veteran Project to offer returning veterans from operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and their spouses a complimentary one- or two-night stay at participating B&Bs, guest cottages, inns, and hotels. Each B&B has its own distinct feel and amenities, so couples can choose one that best fits them. Each proprietor determines when they offer rooms as part of this project. The project began when Eldon and Kathy Aydelotte decided to open their B&B, Arbor House, at Las Brisas Farm, to those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their son, an Army doctor, currently serves in Iraq and inspired them to start this project. “It occurred to us that all returning military from Iraq and Afghanistan will need lots of nurturing to move on with their lives when they return,” Kathy Aydelotte says. “I can think of no better place than coming to the country to get grounded — with clean air, [a] slow pace, and wonderful, supportive people.” For more information about the Texas Veteran Project and a list of participating B&Bs, go to www.texasveteranproject.org. For other military travel discounts and offers, visit www.moaa.org and click on Travel under the Member Services & Discounts drop-down menu. I Hope honors those servicemembers who have suffered disabling or fatal wounds in combat and their families. The “bagball” organization has created the GI Hope bagball, a patent-pending sphere technology that eliminates and neutralizes odors. With each purchase, 30 percent of the proceeds are donated to military veteran support organizations. GI Hope bagball kits come with a GI Hope bagball, two standard dog tags with a chain, and one wrist/ankle dog tag bracelet. To order, visit www .gihope.org. VA Seeks POWs V 26 A officials are seeking former POWs and their family members who currently are not using VA benefits and services. The officials are urging them to contact the VA to find out if they’re eligible for health care, disability compensation, and other services.“One of the VA’s highest priorities is meeting the needs of former [POWs],” says Jim Nicholson, former VA secretary. “They are extraordinary men and women who have endured captivity, suffered extreme deprivation, and sacrificed their own freedom to preserve the freedom of all Americans.” VA officials estimate more than 25,000 former POWs are alive today. If you know a former POW who might be eligible for VA services, be sure to have them call the VA at (800) 827-1000 or visit www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ benefits/pow/index.htm. MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2008 IMAGES: ABOVE, ROSE RICHEY; TOP, CORBIS http://www.gihope.org http://www.gihope.org http://www.texasveteranproject.org http://www.moaa.org http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/pow/index.htm http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/pow/index.htm
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