HORSHAM, Pa., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ —

AAMCO, the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists, is celebrating 50 years, and to mark the occasion is collaborating with the Military Order of the Purple Heart to repair 50 Cars in 50 States. Also, one selected family will win a new car.

“Turning 50 is a tremendous milestone for AAMCO and a great opportunity to give back to the communities in which we operate,” said Marc Graham, Chairman & CEO of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. “In these times of national conflict, I can’t think of a more deserving and appropriate group to work with than America’s wounded veterans and their families.”

In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2012, AAMCO is launching the 50 Cars in 50 States campaign with the charitable partnership. The Military Order of the Purple Heart and AAMCO will select a veteran in each state to receive free auto repairs, at a local participating AAMCO dealer location. 50 Cars in 50 States will launch this summer and will run through the end of the year until repairs are complete. Additionally, one deserving veteran and their family will receive a brand new car. Details of the individuals and families selected for the promotion will be announced at a future date.

“Our AAMCO dealers are proud to give back their time by conducting complimentary vehicle repairs for members of such a worthy and esteemed military veteran organization,” said Mike Ganjei, chairman of the AAMCO National Creative Committee and president of the National AAMCO Dealers Association.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart serves the needs of its 43,000 members, all of which are combat-wounded veterans who have received the Purple Heart Medal. It also provides free services to all veterans to assist with Veterans Affairs claims, homelessness and employment opportunities.

There are nearly 4,000 new Purple Heart recipients returning home from the War on Terror, and many of those vets are in need of a properly functioning and safe vehicle.

“We are thrilled to be working with AAMCO on their anniversary campaign,” said John P. Leonard, National Adjunct at the Military Order of the Purple Heart. “America’s combat-wounded veterans and their families appreciate support and acknowledgement from programs like 50 Cars in 50 States, especially at a time when the Federal government can provide only limited funds on car repairs.”

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in complete car care services. AAMCO has over 800 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Established in 1962, AAMCO centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit AAMCO.com.

About the Military Order of the Purple Heart
The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.,” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

DD FORM 214 — SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT Please share this with anyone who had active duty service between January 1957 to December 31, 2001, and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your Military service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with 1 January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application – which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road.. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001. FYI – this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!

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MOPH National Commander Testifies on Veteran Priorities for 2012

On March 21, 2011, Bill Hutton, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, testified before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Committees on Veteran’s Affairs on the priority veteran issues that the organization believes the Congress needs to address in the 112th Session of Congress.

In his opening remarks, Commander Hutton thanked the respective Committee Chairmen for their continuing efforts on behalf of America’s Veterans and the many accomplishments achieved during the 111th Legislative Session. However, Hutton made clear that much remains to be done to support of our military men and women who have served and continue to serve in harm’s way. MOPH believes, without equivocation, that upon their return home these veterans deserve the best health care available and the timely processing of claims for any benefits earned by their service.” According to Commander Hutton, “MOPH’S priorities for the Second Session of 112th Congress include:

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI): MOPH notes that the signature wound of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan is TBI. These injuries change the lives of victims and the lives of their loved ones forever. While none of us can change this horrific episode in their lives, we can insist and ensure that they receive the best possible medical care that is available. MOPH supports S. 957 and H.R. 1855, the “Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services Improvements Act Of 2011.”

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS (PTS): After ten years of war and multiple combat deployments, many military members are suffering the effects of PTS. Suicide and attempted suicide rates continue to be of concern among our military including Guard, Reserves and Veterans in spite of the many efforts by DoD, the VA and others in the medical profession. PTS also affects the member or veteran’s family as well and is one of the significant contributing causes of suicide, homelessness, substance abuse and acts of violence including domestic violence, sexual assaults and unemployment. MOPH especially urges Congress to provide necessary funding to ensure that additional medical and mental health specialists are available at DoD and VA facilities to provide service to veterans suffering from PTS.

VA CLAIMS BACKLOG: MOPH and other VSOS have testified on these issues for many years. The Veterans Committees have held many hearings concerning the delay and accuracy of processing VA benefits claims, and Secretary Shinseki has placed the reduction of the time required to process a claim as one of his top priorities. MOPH urges Congress to ensure that VA has sufficient funding to continue to update information technology systems, and to have qualified professionals process claims in a timely manner. It is also imperative that the VA concentrate on accuracy and gets it right the first time. Finally, the VA and DoD should once and for all perfect their partnership to immediately implement a truly seamless transition system.

ELIMINATION OF THE SURVIVOR BENEFIT PROGRAM (SBP) AND THE DEPENDENT INDEMINITY COMPENSATION (DIC) OFFSET: MOPH acknowledges that this issue has little visibility in Congress at this time of austere budget measures. However, all recognize that the dollar for dollar offset of SBP receipts by the amount of DIC receipts is wrong. The military member paid for SBP; just as we all do for an insurance policy to provide for the surviving spouse. DIC, which is administered by the VA, is paid when a military retiree dies of a service connected injury or a disability. MOPH was disappointed that a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012, which would have corrected this onerous situation, did not become a part of the final legislation. MOPH will keep the offset issue on the radar screen as it affects many thousands of surviving spouses and at some point we are hopeful that justice will be done.

JOINT PRISONERS OF WAR, MISSING IN ACTION ACCOUNTING COMMAND (JPAC): Although not under the purview of the Veteran Committees, MOPH addresses it to you as members of Congress and American citizens. MOPH has an unwavering commitment to obtain the fullest possible accounting of all Americans still listed as missing in action and unaccounted for. Guaranteeing the return of fallen warriors from the many battlefields is a most sacred of missions; none of our members will rest until this mission has been fulfilled. As veterans we follow the adage that “we leave no soldier behind.” The fulfillment of this sacred mission is important not only to the families who seek closure but to our country. MOPH urges Congress to provide full funding for JPAC for as many years as it takes to complete the mission.

FUNDING FOR THE VA HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION (VHA): MOPH urges the Congress to ensure adequate funding to care for those veterans who are enrolled in the VHA system, especially as the number of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans requiring medical attention continues to increase. MOPH supports H.R. 3895, the “Protect VA Healthcare Act of 2012.” We agree that the healthcare of America’s veterans should not be subject to the sequestration provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act. This country sends our men and women to war and we must recognize our responsibility to care for them when they return.

CONCURRENT RECEIPT: This is another one of those issues that is obviously wrong and an injustice, but given the current deficit and budget woes, may not be addressed by this congress. Nevertheless MOPH believes that all military retirees, regardless of VA disability rating, should be authorized to receive both their earned military retirement for their many years of dedicated service in uniform and the VA compensation, which is a benefit that they receive for being injured or diagnosed with an illness as a result of their military service.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT: MOPH is pleased that Congress passed, and the President signed into law, The “Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011” to address the extremely high veteran unemployment rate. With the nation’s unemployment rate at 8.5 percent and the rate for veterans at 12 percent, MOPH urges Congress to ensure full implementation of this program.

TRICARE/MEDICARE: Many members of MOPH rely on these two programs for their health care. For retired military members, Tricare is an important benefit that was earned. MOPH urges Congress to take action to prevent the 27 percent cut in payments that will take effect on March 1 of this year, to medical providers who accept Tricare/Medicare patients. It is well known that many doctors are not accepting new patients or are opting out of the program altogether.

SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (SDVOSBs) AND VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (VOSBs): Through congressional efforts, Public Law (PL) 106-50 was signed into law in 1999 and Part 19, of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, gave Service Disabled Veterans the opportunity to be part of the Federal Government contracting arena as a designated group. As enacted, Public Law 106-50 established a SDVOSB procurement goal of 3 percent for all federal agencies and prime contractors. However, it was discovered that PL 106-50 did not allow for set aside procurements for SDVOSBs and thus, other mandates were created to establish lawful procurement vehicles to assist agencies in achieving the 3 percent goal. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) “Veterans First Program” is not operating in a manner that puts Veterans first and uses other procurement methods to bypass SDVOSBs and VOSBs. The MOPH urges that you insist that the VA adhere to Congressional intent and guarantee that veterans do come first in implementing the Veterans First Program.

The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.,” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, the MOPH is unique among veteran service organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote patriotism, fraternalism, and the preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and state veterans homes.

For information contact:
MOPH National Legislative Director, Hershel Gober, (202) 550-2491, goberh@aol.com
or
National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535
Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org
www.purpleheart.org

More than 67,000 Veterans spent one night homeless, living in emergency shelters, transitional housing units or on the streets in 2011, according to last year’s “point in time” count conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

It’s not always easy for volunteers and outreach workers to know where to send them to get help. That’s why the VA is excited to launch a competition to provide easy access to resources that the homeless need, when they need them, and where they can get them.

Project REACH (Real-Time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless) challenges applicants to make a free, easy-to-use, and broadly accessible web- and Smartphone app to provide current and up-to-date information about housing and shelter, health clinics, food banks, and other services available to the homeless. It is designed to tap the enormous talent and deep compassion of the nation’s developer community to help us deliver vital information to the people who care for the homeless.

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The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is proud to help sponsor the 26th National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG), hosted this year by the VA St. Louis Healthcare System. The Games will run from May 31-June 5, 2012, and take place in the America’s Center downtown, with other events occurring throughout the St. Louis metro area.

In a special ceremony at the Jefferson Barracks Division of the St. Louis VA Medical Center, Commander Sydney “Syd” Staton and other Patriots of MOPH Missouri Chapter 125 presented checks totaling $34,000, including a $30,000 grant from the MOPH Service Foundation, to Maura Campbell, the St. Louis Organizing Coordinator for the NVGAG. The monies will collectively be used to assist veterans in many of the game’s support services such as transportation, food, equipment, and supplies for the various events. In addition to financial support, approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed to assist with the games. If area residents are interested in volunteering or would like to find out more about the games, visit the NVGAG website at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.

The ceremony capped a year-long effort by Commander Staton and General Daniel R. Bissell MOPH Chapter 125, and the MOPH Ladies Auxiliary to raise funds as part of their participation in the St. Louis VA Volunteer Service (VAVS) Program, for which Staton is concurrently the MOPH National Deputy VAVS Coordinator. Support of the VAVS Program is a proud tradition of MOPH Chapter 125, whose other projects have included the installation of benches across the grounds at Jefferson Barracks, installation of a large screen TV in the Amputee Ward, purchase of books for the patient canteen, a special Tri-Bike for Amputee’s to use on the grounds, picnics for Amputee’s and Spinal Ward patients, support for the St. Louis Fisher House, and the list goes on. According to Staton, “I am so happy that my wife Sandy and I got involved with the VAVS Program. We enjoy working with veterans, especially those less fortunate than me. I believe we are a Band of Brothers, and we must bond together regardless what branch we served. The MOPH has been good to me and I want to represent them to best of my ability.”

The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.,” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS Program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.

For information about the MOPH contact:
National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535
Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org
www.purpleheart.org

For information about the NVGAG contact:
Maura L. Campbell, Local Organizing Coordinator, 314-894-6113
Email: Maura.Campbell2@va.gov
www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov