In spite of -5 degree temperature on an icy day, there was an excellent turnout for VSPC’s monthly meeting.  Anyone interested in joining, should contact Earl Edmonds @ 406-232-1203 or  EEdmonds@Mt.Gov .  He’s the “go-to” guy to help eastern MT veterans navigate federal red tape.  If he can’t do it, he’ll know who can.  Earl will need the veteran’s DD214 in most cases.  
The purpose of VSPC is to share helpful information among various providers and communities.  One example of helping each other comes from Clancee Collins (406-360-4254) of the Miles City American Legion.    Among the many services already offered by the Miles City group, she would like to start a “Legion Riders” group for the Miles City area.  Anyone interested in being a part of that endeavor, please call Clancee. 
A few of the other updates and info-sharing from the VSPC’s Feb. meeting are:
1. Last month, Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) won a big victory for Blue Water Navy veterans!  He has fought since 2015 for legislation to resolve disparity between benefits given for shore-based exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam war and the same exposure to seamen who were 12 miles off-shore.  (see our story under Veterans/Military). On Sept. 29th, 2018, Daines took the fight to Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.  On Jan. 29th of this year, the court ruled favorably.  Finally!  Veterans whose Blue Water claims over the last 30 years were denied should re-apply.  For help with that, call Sen. Daines at 202-224-2651 or email at www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve or snail mail Senator Daines at 320 Hart Senate Building, Wash. D.C. 20510. Jim Korth (in Sen. Daines’ Bozeman office 406-587-3446), also loves helping our veterans. 
 2. Jim Korth and Earl Edmonds do casework for veterans.  Earl said that when he first started this work in 2015, the appeal process was a nightmare, sometimes taking years.  Now, it can be accomplished in 120 days. 
3.  A new service for PTSD veterans is a free, working ranch called “White Tail”.  Call Jim Korth for more info on that.
4.  Miles City Community College has a Veterans Club. 
5.  Local American Legion and VFW posts have numerous services ranging from scholarships for veterans’ children to cash assistance for certain situations.
6.  Miles City’s DAV offers rides to VA appointments in Billings from Glendive and all points in-between.  RSVP grants $10 for a meal to volunteer drivers, who have a long trip to-&-from VA appointments.