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VIETNAM TOUR FOR DISABLED VETERANS Larry Minton, local attorney and National Judge Advocate General, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), will tour Vietnam with 12 American disabled Vietnam veterans in April. “The VFW plans and organizes annual tours of former theaters of war in Asia where American veterans have served,” Minton said. A Vietnam veteran, he is looking forward to revisiting cities and rural areas that were destroyed when he left but are now restored and rebuilt. “It will be a healing experience for all of us who served in Vietnam to travel in Vietnam. A bus tour will be a special part of the trip since it will take us through those same rural areas,” he said. Minton joined the U.S Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry A member of the VFW Johnson-Brown Post 1736 since 1977, he has served as District Commander. Prior to his election as National Judge Advocate General for VFW, Minton has served as Judge Advocate for the Department of Louisiana since 1998.
THE ReSTORE: AFFORDABLE TREASURES Ever wish you could afford do that home remodeling project? Thinking about painting or wallpapering that room but put it off because of the cost? You can have your wish by visiting ReStore, located at3331 Broadway. A treat is waiting for you at ReStore where you will find everything needed to build or repair a house. From bathroom vanities and furniture to wallpaper and paint, the building is filled with everything to remodel or build a house. Habitat for Humanity built its first ReStore outlet in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1991. The first outlet in America opened the next year in Austin, Texas. The local Restore opened its doors in 2006 and has enjoyed a thriving business ever since. “Appliances are the item most requested, but we sell home accessories, building materials, doors and windows, wall covering, paint and a huge amount of electrical and plumbing parts, “ said Connie Cooper, executive director, Habitat for Humanity. ReStore accepts donations of used items in good condition. Donations are tax-deducible and donors are provided with a document listing the item and value. Local retailers of building materials deliver truck loads of materials on a regular basis. The inventory is constantly changing and noting remains on the shelves very long. Popular items fly off the shelves because subcontractors, property managers, home owners and other non-profit agencies shop the store weekly. ReStore is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 9am to 3pm. If you have items to donate, call Dianne Smith, ReStore manager at 561-0490. Pick up of materials is available by appointment on Tuesdays. Everyone is cautioned about protecting credit cards, but little care is given to Medicare insurance cards that can allow someone to assume your identity and bill medical services as well as other charges to you. Remember, the card has your Social Security number on it. Medical-related fraud accounts for about 60% of all identity theft in America, and there is little protection in place for the victims. As a result, damages can be devastating. If someone racks up hospital bills in your name, you are responsible for paying until you can prove you didn’t receive the services, a process that could take years. What’s worse, their medical history gets mixed up with yours which causes untold problems. The best defense is to check every Explanation of Benefits Statement you receive. If you did not have the treatment, report it at once. Check your credit report to see if there are any unpaid medical bills that are not yours. Always say no anything free. Thieves sometimes set up free screenings or other services in order to steal medical data. If you take a vision exam or blood pressure test at a health fair or free clinic, never give out your card number or other personal information.
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