I spent some time this past week at the tax assessor’s office with Mr. Richard Tollner regarding my veteran’s tax benefits for property and school tax bills.
In prior years I did not receive any tax benefits for being a veteran, let alone a combat veteran with service-connected disabilities. I was not aware of any property or school tax benefits for veterans.
It was very interesting speaking with Richard regarding my exemption. For many years prior to joining the VFW here in Windham, I just didn’t have anything to do with any veteran information.
I was not forthcoming to many people as to my service to our country as at that time Vietnam veterans were not very popular with the citizens of our country.
For years, Vietnam veterans did not wear hats, or shirts that indicated service due to the lack of patriotism shown to us.
I did not go to the VA for medical services as I had Blue Cross coverage that I paid for and to be honest, didn’t know that I was eligible for medical services from the VA. Deep down I thought that my coverage was much better than the VA.
Richard and I discussed the fact that many veterans in Windham, Hensonville and Maplecrest may not be aware also.
Richard told me he also will work with the towns of Jewett and Lexington to help them with the veterans in those communities.
He said he can even help you acquire DD214’s for veterans that do not have theirs as he has a close relationship with the VA to get them for veterans.
I was amazed at the amount of “exemption codes” there are and if you qualify, it is to your financial benefit to investigate your options.
Widows and widowers of our service people don't know they ARE eligible to benefit on their Property & School Taxes too.
Mr. Tollner will work with you and get what you qualify for. You can reach out to Mr. Tollner, Assessor Town of Windham at (518) 428-5000.
The VFW has announced the winners of the national winners from all posts in the VFW. Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was named the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy first place winner.
Scotland’s speech on the theme, "Why is the Veteran Important?" won him a $35,000 college scholarship.
Scotland was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee and Leighton Peters, a seventh-grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner.
Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
I look forward to getting the 2023-2024 entry forms to our students at WAJ and home-schooled students. They did a great job last year.
This coming weekend our District 3 Gold Chevron Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clifton Park will present awards for the winners of the District for Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, Teacher of the Year and Scout of the Year.
VA has announced that they are expanding healthcare eligibility to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11/2001.
Originally, the PACT Act called for a phased in approach, but at the direction of President Biden. VA has instead opened this expanded eligibility to VA Healthcare effective March 5, 2024.
Let us keep our troops still serving around the world safe. God Bless America and remember all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Marc Farmilette, PDC – Commander Post 1545
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