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Tag: Local Veteran

American Legion Auxiliary GALA

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in Announcements, Post 281 Auxiliary.

American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Tennessee, GALA

Friday, September 19, 2025. Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 5:30pm-11:00pm

$60.00 per person,   Dinner, Music, Silent and Live Auction.

Some auction items have already been donated: Various Venues in Pigeon Forge and home decor items.

This is just a sample!

More donations are coming in every day..

Please contact Gwynne Queener for tickets:

gwynnequeener@gmail.com

615-218-9452

As more information becomes available and the date gets closer we’ll send out updates. Please check the Events Calendar (9/19/25) to easily add this to your personal calendar.

Military Appreciation Cookout

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in Announcements.

This was put out by the City of Lebanon. This is all the information I have on it. I did look up the address. It is for “employbridge” which apparently consists of ProLogistix, ResourceMFG, and Hire Dynamics.

Might be a good place to be if you’re looking for a new job/career.

Uber has a new senior mode

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements.

The new tool offers a simplified app layout and support from family members to help seniors maintain independence and mobility.

The ride-hailing company is introducing senior accounts, which allow family members to help set up, track, and pay for rides, and “simple mode,” a senior-friendly version of the app for older adults who use it on their own.

To set up a senior account, existing Uber users can add a senior adult to their family profile in the app. The head of the family profile can book rides for a senior rider, handle payments, and set monthly spending limits.

Here’s a link to an article announcing the new changes and new app: https://www.fastcompany.com/91346140/ubers-new-senior-mode-aims-to-remove-barriers-for-aging-riders

VA’s removal of DS Logon

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements. 


US Department of Veterans Affairs 


Prepare for VA's removal of DS Logon

On September 30, 2025, we’ll remove the DS Logon username and password option from VA online services. After this date, you can only use a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in to VA.gov, VA mobile apps, and other VA online services to manage your VA benefits and care.

If you don’t have a Login.gov or ID.me account, we encourage you to create one soon to make sure you’re ready for the change. Thank you for helping us reduce sign-in options and continue to protect your—and all Veterans’—information and benefits from scammers.


Create your secure account now

You can create your secure Login.gov or ID.me account and verify your identity online now. Our step-by-step and video instructions will guide you. If you have trouble with the online process, both Login.gov and ID.me offer the option to complete the process in person.

Create your sign-in account now

Remember: Never give your information to anyone who says they can help you get a new account—unless you’re sure they’re a VA employee or an accredited representative of VA. And always make sure a link is taking you to the official www.va.gov website before selecting it from an email, text message, social media post, or online ad. You can always go to www.va.gov/sign-in-changes for trusted information.

Need help?
Get support for common issues or submit a support ticket directly with Login.gov or ID.me.

Get support for common Login.gov or ID.me issues
Go to the Login.gov help center
Contact Login.gov for support
Go to the ID.me help center
Submit a support ticket with ID.me

Thanks to Max Wix (Former Commander) for passing this along. Sorry for the lack luster formatting. It’s somewhat difficult to translate email notices to website posts. I’ll keep looking for a better way to do it. Please send any advice you may have!

Exclusive Resource Event

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements.

Wilson County Area Vets — May 29, 2025

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 05/27/2025 12:52 PM EDT

 ​​​​​​​​v

Hey Wilson County Veterans! You’re invited to get assistance enrolling in VA health care, applying for disability compensation, and accessing other benefits you’ve earned. Concerns about your toxic exposure while in service? Find out what resources you are eligible for. Need caregiver support? Need housing or worried about becoming homeless? Ready to enroll in VA health care? Want to connect with resources available in your community? This is an exclusive event for Veterans and their families in the Wilson County area. Don’t miss this opportunity to access the benefits you’ve earned.

 Just show up on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Event Location:
Wilson County Veterans Museum
304 E Main Street
Lebanon, TN 37087
Click Here for More Information

Can’t attend the event? No problem.

Enroll in VA health care.

Apply online: VA.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
Apply over the phone: Call VA toll-free at 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), Option 2.
Apply in-person: Visit your nearest VA medical center (https://www.VA.gov/find-locations).
Submit a VA disability compensation $$$ claim.
Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a VA benefits specialist.
Submit your VA disability claim online.
Get help from a VA accredited representative or Veteran Service Organization.

with everyone you know who may benefit, including Veterans, caregivers, service members and survivors.
We’re making millions of Veterans eligible for VA health care under the PACT Act. Here’s what YOU need to know.

  
  • If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan, you can enroll.
  • If you deployed to any combat zone after 9/11, you can enroll.
  • If you deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, you can enroll.
  • And even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty here at home—by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more—you can enroll, too.

Bottom line: all Veterans who meet the minimum service requirements and were exposed to toxins and other hazards-at home or abroad-are eligible to enroll in VA care.

VA provides the best and most affordable health care for Veterans in America – and this is your chance to apply. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than those who get their care elsewhere. And copays can be as low as $0 for prescriptions, urgent care, outpatient care, and more.  

Choosing VA means getting everything you need in one spot. Come see why 90% of patients said they trust VA for their health care. Even if you don’t need this care today, you may need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. And once you’re in, you have access for life.

VA is here for you. 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is always the right number
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255
Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387
Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat 

Download the VA Welcome Kit VA WELCOME KIT Find a VA facility near you. FACILITY LOCATOR

Honor America’s Flag 2025 #2 #2

Written by Jeff Mattingly on . Posted in American Legion Post 281 News, Announcements.

Hey, I goofed! We need more help. Especially setting up the flags! I’ve changed the Sign Up app. Please click the link below to get on board. There’s also several other opportunities to help, so let’s getter done!

Our biggest fundraising event of the year, so far. We Need Your Help!

Please click the link below to sign up. This year is going to be really special!

Click Here to go sign up!

We will also need your help with promoting our Patriotic Honor Concert! Stay Tuned for more information!