Veterans
News on active duty and veterans impacting public employee union members

Why NO Issue 2 matters to our veterans
Many OCSEA members serve both our community and our country. They are proud Ohio National Guardsmen and women and Reservists, or are currently serving active duty in the military. But if SB 5/Issue 2 is enacted, these proud public servants are in danger of losing their jobs if they are deployed. Volunteer today.

2011 Veterans Conference Cancelled
Due to serious threats as a result of Senate Bill 5 and the impending budget, OCSEA is committing all available resources to protect the security of every member and their right to bargain collectively. As a result, the Veterans Conference has been cancelled. Read Eddie's Letter on conference cancellations

Ohio Veteran bonus website now available

A veterans bonus is now available for those Ohio veterans and the families of Ohio veterans who served during the conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Veterans can now go online to the state's Veterans Bonus website to determine eligibility, submit an application and check on the status of an application. Facts on the bonus and contact information are also available on the site.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Ohio Veteran bonuses coming soon

Thanks to a statewide constitutional amendment passed by Ohio voters during the 2009 November election, veterans of the conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq now qualify for a bonus for their service.

Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq qualify for $100 for each month of service up to a total of $1,000. Veterans who served elsewhere during those conflicts qualify to receive $50 a month up to a total of $500. Family members of those killed in action will receive a $5,000 benefit.

This amendment, which was initiated by Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and placed on the ballot last year by the Ohio General Assembly, is consistent with past bonding efforts to assist Veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Applications should be available on this website in September on the OCSEA website.

For more information, contact the Ohio Dept. of Veterans Services at 888-387-6446 or online at dvs.ohio.gov.

Veterans Bonus UBBN (pdf)

Blog: At time of economic pain, veterans’ win support

Veterans Conference Photo Gallery

Everyone enjoyed the meet and greet session at the conference. Chris Mabe, OCSEA Vice-President, welcomed everyone to the conference, and introduced the conference speakers. The color guard ceremony at the Veterans conference. Dan Ramos, candidate for State Representative, began the conference Friday evening with a question and answer session. Our first speaker on Saturday, Jeanette Mauk, Field Director of the Ohio AFL-CIO was excited to speak about the organization's new Veterans assistance program. Jim Castor, the Veterans Liaison at the Attorney General's Office, spoke about the steps the Attorney General has taken to prosecute fraudulent veterans charities. As a tribute to our Veterans, a Bagpipe player played a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace. PEOPLE made many veterans (and spouses) happy by raffling off some great prizes! The final speaker of the day, Robert Osborn, from Veterans Affairs, Disability and Claims presented a wealth of information on veterans benefits.

Veterans Advisory Committee History

A history of the OCSEA Veterans Advisory Committee is now available.
Download the History of Veterans Advisory Committee (pdf)

Serving those who Serve!
Veterans' Conference to be held July 23

The OCSEA Veterans Conference will be held Friday and Saturday, July 23-24, at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio.

The conference, which started last year to wild response from members, is open to OCSEA veterans, friends of vets and spouses. The event seeks to recognize those OCSEA members who served in the U.S. military and proudly fought for their country. This conference theme is "Serving those that Serve."

Hotel rates are $125 per night. All reservattions must be made directly through Sawmill Creek Resort by calling 419-433-3800. The hotel reservation deadline has been extended to July 7th.

The conference registration deadline has passed.

Download the agenda (pdf)

Download the Conference Call (pdf)

Sawmill Creek Resort

Union watching legislation impacting veterans, military service
Nov. 9, 2009 - OCSEA's Veterans Advisory Committee members are keeping their eyes on the Ohio Statehouse this fall for bills impacting Ohio veterans and active duty military and reserve personnel. FULL STORY

Remember troops, military families as holiday season approaches
Nov. 10, 2009 - As we honor our veterans this week and approach the holiday season, consider helping out military families and our deployed troops. ADOPT - A - PLATOON | REMEMBER THE KIDS

See Related

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Veterans and their families can obtain assistance on matters related to benefits, medical programs, license and certification, employment services, womens' issues, homeless matters, organizations, education, publications, and more.

"Adopt-A-Platoon" - The Veterans Advisory Committee encourages OCSEA chapters, assemblies get involved.

Apartment complex offers military/veterans appreciation discount

Military creates mental health hotline

OCSEA References

Article 30: Military Leave - State of Ohio Contract

OCSEA Constitution & Bylaws