1 Providing Veterans Educational Services Throughout The Montana
Higher Educational System
Center for Veterans’ Education and Training
Cisel Hall Room 106
1500 University Drive
Billings, Montana 59101
Montana Veterans’ Upward Bound Volume 6, Issue 11, 2010
Happy Veteran’s Day America!
To All Veterans “Thank You for Your Service and
the Sacrifices You Have Made for Our Nation”.
"In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man and brave, and hated and scorned.
When his cause succeeds, the timid join him for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."
Quote by:
Mark Twain
[Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910)
2
Happy 235th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps!
The United States Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated every year in November with a traditional ball and cake
-cutting ceremony.
The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps, on November 10, 1775, was when the Second Conti-
nental Congress decreed:
"That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and
other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other bat-
talions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions,
but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the
present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by
the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines."
Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, is regarded as the birthplace of the Corps as the location of the first Marines to
enlist under Commandant Samuel Nicholas, though it is disputed if a recruiting drive may have occurred earli-
er at Nicholas's family tavern, the Conestoga Wagon [sic]. When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the
Continental Navy was disestablished, and with it, the Continental Marines. The Corps was re-established on 11
July 1798, when the "act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps" was signed by President John Adams.
The first formal ball was celebrated in 1925, though no records exist that indicate the proceedings of that event.
Birthday celebrations would take varied forms, most included dances, though some accounts include mock
battles, musical performances, pageants, and sporting events.
United States Marine Corps Kicking Ass Since 1775
3
The Billings Ball Committee
Requests the honor of your presence to the
235th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Holiday Inn Grand Montana, Billings, MT
13 November 2010
Cocktails: 1700
Ceremony: 1800
Dinner: 1900
Uniform
Evening Dress, Mess Dress, Blue
Dress A/B, Service A, Service
Equivalent, Formal Wear, Tux or
Coat & Tie
RSVP NLT
01 November 2010
4
Guest of Honor
LtCol Dan Bergstrom
LtCol Dan Bergstrom USMC (Ret.), a Billings native, served on active duty from June 1970 through February
1992. Commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), LtCol Bergstrom command-
ed platoons through the battalion-level. Primarily an infantry officer, he became a logistics officer late in his
career. His assignments included recruiting duty and two tours of sea duty. Having completed a Master of
Science in Health Care Administration after retirement, he is involved in applying computer technology in
medical practices
RSVP-No later than 01 November 2010
Payment Required at Time of Reservations
The meal for the evening will be a buffet consisting of: Tossed Salad, Vegetable Display, Creamy Pasta Salad,
Fresh Steamed Vegetables, Scalloped Potatoes, Chicken Provencal, Chef Carved slow roasted Prime Rib served
with Creamy Horseradish, and Black Pepper Au Jus, and Fresh Baked Rolls.
***INCLUDE YOURSELF IN THE NUMBER OF GUESTS***
Number of Guest:_____at $35 per person – EARLY BIRD PRICE IF RECEIVED BY 15 OCTOBER 2010
Number of Guest:_____at $40 per person – After 15 October 2010
Rank/
Name:_____________________________________________
Phone Number:____________________
Organization/Person to sit with:_______________________ Email: __________________________
Make Check payable to: BIRTHDAY BALL FUND
Send To: Marine Corps Ball Committee Phone: 406-373-8402
c/o 1stSgt Dallas Miller email: melvin.d.miller@usmc.mil
2913 Gabel Rd.
Billings, MT 59102
**No tickets will be mailed. Table Seating will be found at the reception table at check-in**
(Please fill out and return this portion with payment to address above)
5
6
JOINT CHIEF OF STAFF MEMBER COLONEL DAVID SUTHERLAND VISITS
MSU BILLINGS
Colonel David Sutherland is the assistant to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, and
Major Edward Kennedy, also of the Joint Command, visited the MSU Billings campus on October 7,
2010. Colonel Sutherland met over breakfast with the staff and students of the MSU Northern Veterans’
Upward Bound Project to discuss their transition from the military into education and into their local commu-
nity. Colonel Sutherland is spearheading the Admiral’s ―Sea of Goodwill‖, a doctrine that recognized the need
for local, community, and lifelong support of our military men and women serving in the War on Terrorism.
In the afternoon, a round table luncheon was held and attended by a wide range of local, state and federal
agencies and organizations that are interested or are providing services to our state’s veterans. Attendees in-
cluded Vice Chancellor Stacy Kilippenstein and Dan Benge for MSU Billings, Provost Rosalynn Templeton of
MSU Northern, Brenda York, Veteran Service and Le Gaub Troop to Teachers from the MSU Bozeman campus.
Community members and veteran service representatives included Dan Herrera, Associate Director VA Mon-
tana Health Care System, Yellowstone Commissioner Bill Kennedy, Bruce Knutson, Senator Tester’s Office,
John Brierton , Volunteers of America, Tom Frisby, Manager Billings Job Service, Doug Bell, Counselor, VA
Vets Center, Sheila Gaub, Quilts of Valor, Jack Bailey, Montana Office of Public Instruction, and Sam Kinser,
Montana Military Appreciation Project.
Colonel Sutherland being awarded the ―Quilt of Valor‖ by Ms. Shelia Gaub,
Regional Coordinator of Quilts of Valor organization.
7
8
9
"If mankind were to resolve to agree in no institution of government, until every part of it had been adjust-
ed to the most exact standard of perfection, society would soon become a general scene of anarchy, and the
world a desert." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 65, 1788
10
In honor of Veterans Day, Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes
free of charge on November 10th, 11th and 12th, 2010 to U.S. military veterans in need of mo-
bility assistance.
We salute our veterans for all the incredible contributions made to our country. To all who have
served... Thank You!
Limited quantities available only while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required.
Proof of military service may be required. Canes provided by Hugo®. Sam's Club® is a proud
sponsor of this program.
11
12
If you require transportation to get to a V.A. appointment, call the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
representative:
Phillip Nicolay Fort Harrison VAMC 406-477-7760 or
John Tiry Miles City VAMC Billings VA-OPC 406-651-2143
American Legion Post #4 Billings, Montana invites all veterans to join in
for Monday Night Football, free food and drink specials.
The American Legion is also having a spaghetti feed and free live music
on 11 November 2010, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Come join us on Veteran’s Day
1540 Broadwater Ave
Billings, Montana
(406) 656-1510
Veteran Resource Directory Online
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their
families and those who support them. The NRD provides information on, and access to, medical and non-medical services
and resources across the country, which will help them reach their personal and professional goals as they successfully
transition from recovery to community living. The NRD is an online partnership of the Department of Defense, Department
of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as numerous veteran service and benefit organizations; non-profit,
community-based and faith-based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organi-
zations.
13
My name is Tez Mercer, I'm a photographer in Billings, MT specializing in portraiture and editorial work, my
portfolio is available to view online at www.tezmphoto.com.
I am undertaking a project, or a body of work, to honor the veterans in this city through photography and to
give them a voice, the project will culminate in an art exhibition of the photographs as well as video sam-
ples and written pieces to go along with the photos.
My project outline is this: I would like to photograph veterans in a dignified way: a simple headshot to cap-
ture the character and depth of the experiences that have stuck with them. Coupled with this, I would like
to ask every single person the same question: "what is your lasting memory of your military experience?" I
chose this question because I think it will cover all the bases of war and allow the subject to elaborate
freely - the heroism, the companionship, the beauty of brotherhood and courage, as well as the hideousness
and carnage of a war and the toll it has not just on the body, but on the mind. I would like to video the an-
swers to this question which would then be played on a big screen while the exhibition is in progress, and if
that is too much, then I can just use the audio.
Like I said at the start, I am not doing this to be exploitative or to make money, but I believe veterans have
seen the best and worst of humanity and I would like to help them tell their story and to create an educa-
tional and poignant exhibit to honor their service, and their sacrifice.
I have an art gallery committed to giving me space and publicity for this and it would simply be called
"Veteran". All of the photos will be shot the same way as the background and environment are not the focus
- it is the veteran, so the lighting, backdrop, processing, will be identical.
I am sending this to you in the hopes that if you could be put in touch with someone based in Montana who
can help me find people to photograph. I want to do this through the proper channels and with their bless-
ing as I do not want to offend anybody or make it seem like I'm treading on toes. I would need about 50-100
subjects for this and if all goes well, I will make this into a book with proceeds going to charities and organi-
zations that look out for the mental and physical well being of veterans.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Tez Mercer
406 850 8466
www.tezmphoto.com
--
Tez Mercer
Tez Mercer Photography
Billings, MT
www.tezmphoto.com
www.tezmphoto.com/blog
(406) 850 8466
If you are a veteran interested in taking part in this project contact Tez directly! He does some awesome
work!
14
15Vet Centers Provide Reintegration Support for Combat Veterans
Serving our nation in conflict environments in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere around the globe can be chal-
lenging for even the most prepared individuals. In fact, it is common for Veterans to experience concerns relat-
ed to readjustment issues after returning home and while reintegrating into civilian life. That’s why the De-
partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides support for combat Veterans and their families at community-
based counseling facilities called Vet Centers.
What Services Are Available at Your Local Vet Center?
These community-based VA programs provide readjustment counseling to Veterans who have served in com-
bat zones. Specifically, Vet Centers offer the following services to help Veterans thrive:
Individual and group counseling for Veterans and their families
Family counseling for military-related issues
Bereavement counseling for families who experience the death of a loved one serving on active duty1
Military sexual trauma counseling and referrals
Outreach and education at military and community events such as post-deployment health reassessments
and Veterans Musters.
Substance abuse assessment and referral
Employment assessment and referral
Benefits explanation and referral
Screening and referral for medical and psychological issues including traumatic brain injury, depression and
other psychological health concerns.
All Combat Veterans and Their Families Are Eligible
All services are prepaid through military service and available throughout the lifetime of the Veteran. Also,
Veterans are not required to have enrolled with a VA Medical Center for medical treatment in order to ac-
cess Vet Center services. Simply put: If you or a family member served in any combat zone and received a mili-
tary campaign ribbon, then you are eligible for Vet Center services.
The Majority of Vet Center Staff Are Veterans
Your Personal Information Will Be Kept Private Over 70 percent of Vet Center staff are Veterans —
and of that number, over 70 percent are combat Veterans. Furthermore, 34 percent of the total staff are Veter-
ans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This means that the men and women you will encounter when you
step up to seek help understand what it’s like to serve. Moreover, the staff members at each Vet Center have
connections within their communities so they can refer Veterans to other services if needed.
The staff at your local Vet Center understands that privacy and discretion are important when addressing is-
sues related to psychological health or traumatic brain injury. That’s why Vet Center policies state that no one
will have access to your information — including treatment notes — without written consent, unless it is neces-
sary to avoid a crisis. Even VA Medical Centers cannot view those records without this written consent. For
more detailed information about your privacy, contact your local Vet Center today.
How to Contact Your Local Vet Center
There are 273 Vet Centers located in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico,
American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are two ways to contact a Vet Center near you:
Use your zip code to search for one on the VA website.
Call the Readjustment Counseling Service Combat Call Center at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). Veterans
and their family members can contact this national call center 24/7 to talk to another combat Veteran
or spouse of a veteran regarding any readjustment issues related to their military service or to help lo-
cate a Vet Center near them.
Remember, the services offered at your local Vet Center are prepaid through military service and private for all
combat Veterans and their families. So if you need support while you reintegrate into civilian life, don’t hesi-
tate to reach out for help.
16
Montana Veteran Affairs Division Havre
Dave Capps and /or Judy Loendorf, Service Officers for the Montana Veteran Affairs Division will be visiting the follow-
ing locations and times to meet with Veterans who are interested in applying for benefits. If you are interested in apply-
ing for benefits, please bring a copy of your discharge paperwork (DD214) with you.
November 17, 2010 – Wednesday
Ft. Belknap – Sr. Citizens Center – 9:00am to 10:00am
Malta – City Hall – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Glasgow – Job Service - 1:30pm to 4:00pm
November 22, 2010 – Monday
Shelby – Courthouse – 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Cut Bank – County Extension Office – 3:00pm to 4:00pm
November 23, 2010 – Tuesday
Browning – NEW Eagle Shield Bldg – 9:00amto 11:00am
V/R
Judy L. Loendorf
Service Officer 1
Montana Veterans Affairs Division
Phone: (406)265-4225
Fax: (406)265-2666
VA Health Care Application Made Easier
The Department of Veterans Affairs removed the signature requirement for veterans who electronically submit
an online 10-10EZ "Application for Health Benefits." This will reduce by days, if not weeks, the time for veter-
ans who apply online to access their medical benefits. For additional information, visit the VA website or call
VA's toll free number at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). The online form is available on the VA website.
"Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every
free state."
--Thomas Jefferson
17 VA Publishes Final Regulation on "Presumptive" Illnesses
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced the publication of a final regulation in the Fed-
eral Register that makes it easier for Veterans to obtain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and
disability compensation for certain diseases associated with service in Southwest Asia (including Iraq) or Af-
ghanistan.
"This is part of historic changes in how VA considers Gulf War Veterans' illnesses," said Secretary Shinseki. "By
setting up scientifically based presumptions of service connection, we give these deserving Veterans a simple
way to obtain the medical and compensation benefits they earned in service to our country."
The final regulation establishes new presumptions of service connection for nine specific infectious diseases
associated with military service in Southwest Asia beginning on or after the start of the first Gulf War on Aug.
2, 1990, through the conflict in Iraq and on or after Sept. 19, 2001, in Afghanistan.
The final regulation reflects a determination of a positive association between service in Southwest Asia or Af-
ghanistan and nine diseases and includes information about the long-term health effects potentially associated
with these diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella Burnetii (Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis and West Nile virus.
With the final rule, a Veteran will only have to show service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan and that he or
she had one of the nine diseases within a certain time after service and has a current disability as a result of
that disease, subject to certain time limits for seven of the diseases. Most of these diseases would be diagnosed
within one year of return from service, through some conditions may manifest at a later time.
For non-presumptive conditions, a Veteran is required to provide medical evidence to establish an actual con-
nection between military service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan and a specific disease.
The decision to add these presumptives was made after reviewing the 2006 report of the National Academy of
Sciences Institute of Medicine (NASIOM), titled, "Gulf War and Health Volume 5: Infectious Diseases."
The 2006 report differed from the four prior reports by looking at the long-term health effects of certain dis-
eases determined to be pertinent to Gulf War Veterans. Secretary Shinseki decided to include Afghanistan Vet-
erans in these presumptions because NAS found that the nine diseases are also prevalent in that country.
The 1998 Persian Gulf War Veterans Act requires the Secretary to review NAS reports that study scientific in-
formation and possible associations between illnesses and exposure to toxic agents by Veterans who served in
the Persian Gulf War.
While the decision to add the nine new presumptives predates VA's Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force
(GWVI-TF), the overarching responsibility of the GWVI-TF is to regain Gulf War Veterans' confidence in VA's
health care, benefits, and services and reconfirm VA is 100 percent committed to Veterans of all eras. The
GWVI-TF began in fall
2009 and is not a static, one-time initiative but will continue to build on its work with annual reports issued
every August. The group's focus centers on unanswered Gulf War Veterans' health issues, improving access to
benefits, ensuring cutting edge research into treatments, and to make sure Veterans' concerns are heard and
addressed. This includes continuing to solicit Veterans, experts, advocates and stakeholders to share their
views to better inform the important work of the GWVI-TF.
The GWVI-TF Report can be found at www.VA.gov.
Disability compensation is a non-taxable monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled as a result of an
injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.
Last year, VA received more than one million claims for disability compensation and pension. VA provides
compensation and pension benefits to over 3.8 million Veterans and beneficiaries.
Currently, the basic monthly rate of compensation ranges from $123 to $2,673 for Veterans without any de-
pendents.
For information about health problems associated with military service in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan,
and related VA programs, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ and http://
www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif/index.asp. For information about how to apply for disability com-
pensation, go to www.va.gov or http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/compensation_benefits.a
18
Commissioner's Office
File for Unemployment Insurance Only on State Secure and Cost Free Website
(Helena) The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is reminding claimants who file online for their un-
employment insurance benefits, that the department’s website http://www.dli.mt.gov is Montana’s official
source for services and information provided by the department and UI4U.mt.gov is the only place to apply
online for unemployment benefits.
State services are free, but some external, independent websites may charge for a link to Montana’s benefit ap-
plication, or provide unemployment compensation information or assistance that may be false or mislead-
ing. These external sites may look official but are not. Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly says, ―We want people
to be wary of websites that appear to offer applications for benefits when in fact they do not. Using an unoffi-
cial website could result in an unnecessary fee; delay benefits or jeopardize an applicant’s eligibility.‖
The Montana Department of Labor offers a full range of services free of charge, including unemployment bene-
fits for those who lose jobs through no fault of their own, and career services for those who wish to find a job,
improve their skills or find a better job.
Casey Kyler-West
Communications Director
Department of Labor & Industry
P.O. Box 1728
Helena, MT. 59624-1728
Office: 406-444-1520
Fax: 406-444-1394
ckylerwest@mt.gov
"That wise Men have in all Ages thought Government necessary for the Good of Mankind; and, that wise
Governments have always thought Religion necessary for the well ordering and well-being of Society, and
accordingly have been ever careful to encourage and protect the Ministers of it, paying them the highest publick
Honours, that their Doctrines might thereby meet with the greater Respect among the common People."
--Benjamin Franklin, On that Odd Letter of the Drum, 1730
19
20
Family Assistance Center
2915 Gabel Road
Billings, MT 59102
406-655-6200 ext 5450
Family Assistance Centers:
The primary mission of any FAC is to provide information, guidance, and referral to Military Family members.
Family Assistance Centers purpose is:
Assistance, Information and Referral For :
Family Readiness Groups (FRG’s):
Family Readiness Groups are created to assist Commanders in maintaining readiness of service personnel, families, and
communities by promoting self-sufficiency, resiliency, and stability during peace and war time.
This is the contact information for the Family Assistance Centers in Montana.
Helena: 1956 MT Majo Street Glasgow: Glasgow Armory
Family Assistance Center 81 Airport Rd.
Ft. Harrison, MT. 59636-4789 Family Assistance Center
406-324-3232 Glasgow, MT. 59230
406-324-5530
Missoula: Missoula Armory Kalispell: Kalispell Armory
9383 Running W Road 2989 Hwy 93 North
Family Assistance Center Family Assistance Center
Missoula, MT. 59801 Kalispell, MT. 59901
406-329-2180 x5121 406-758-3100 ext 5180
Great Falls: Air National Guard Billings: Billings Armory
2800 Airport Ave “B” 915 Gabel Road
Family Assistance Center Laurie Holland
Great Falls, MT. 59404 FAC Specialist
406-791-0867 Billings, MT. 59102
21
Military Transcript Evaluation Policy for MSU-Billings
Montana State University Billings accepts many forms of Professional Military Education (non-academic experience and
training) that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education ( ACE) as academic credit.
ACE recommendations for vocational or technical credit are not accepted as transfer credit.
To transfer military credits: complete your application requirements with an admissions representative and then submit
your transcripts directly from the institution or military branch where the credit was earned. An unofficial transcript may
be used in the interim to facilitate credit evaluation. Official transcripts must be submitted before the end of the first
semester.
Service Branch Transcript Request Information
Army AARTS Operations Center (Army/American Council on
Education Registry Transcript)
415 McPherson Avenue
Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-1373
Navy/Marines NETPDTC (SMART--Sailor/Marine American Council on Ed-
ucation Registry Transcript)
Navy College Center, Code N27
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509-5204
Air Force CCAF/RRRA (Community College of the Air Force Tran-
script)
Simler Hall, Suite 128
130 Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6613
Coast Guard Coast Guard Coast Guard Transcript
"Human government is more or less perfect as it approaches nearer or diverges farther from the imitation of
this perfect plan of divine and moral government." --John Adams, 1770
22 State of Montana
Veterans Affairs Division
Department Military Affairs
Veteran Service Officers
Veterans Service Officers (VSO) are a vital link between the Veteran, Veteran Service Providers, DVOP/
LVER Specialists, and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment staff. Below is an updated listing of
Montana’s VSO(s) and their contact information.
BELGRADE
Ackerman, Kelly - Regional Service Officer bzmnmvad@qwestoffice.net
Mahn, Janine - Service Officer I mvadbzmn@qwestoffice.net
350 Airport Road 350 Airport Road
Belgrade, MT 59714 Belgrade, MT 59714
Phone (406) 388-4601
Fax (406) 388-4602
BILLINGS
Heald, Cheryl - Regional Service Officer blngsmvad@qwestoffice.net
Jarosz, Dorothy - Service Officer II mvadblngs@qwestoffice.net
Gaffri, Jay - Service Officer I 2mvadblngs@qwestoffice.net
2795 Enterprise Ave.
Billings, MT 59102
Phone (406) 656-0584
Phone (406) 248-8579
Phone (406) 259-5419
Fax (406) 656-0617
BUTTE
Williamson, David - Service Officer II btemvad11@qwestoffice.net
600 Gilman Avenue
Butte, MT 59701
Phone (406) 533-0910
Fax (406) 494-1273
23
State of Montana
Veterans Affairs Division
Department Military Affairs
Veteran Service Officers
GREAT FALLS
Martin, Valerie - Regional Service Officer val1gfmvad@qwestoffice.net
Capps, David - Service Officer II dave1gfmvad@qwestoffice.net
Gaskins, Rich - Service Officer I rich1gfmvad@qwestoffice.net
600 Central Plaza #300
Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone (406) 452-2265
Fax (406) 453-5871
HAVRE
LaBuda, Diana - Service Officer II mvadhavre1@qwestoffice.net
Loendorf, Judy - Service Officer I mvadhavre2@qwestoffice.net
232 1st St. W., PO Box 20
Havre, MT 59501
Toll Free 1-877-265-VETS (8387)
Phone (406) 265-4225
Fax (406) 265-2666
HELENA
Perkio, Lori, - Senior Veterans Service Officer lori.perkio@va.gov (406) 495-2080
Larson, Elizabeth - Service Officer II elizabeth.larson@va.gov (406) 495-2082
Vacant - Service Officer I (406) 495-2081
Veterans Service Center
Veterans Drive, Room 110E Building 3633
PO Box 1007,
Ft. Harrison, MT 59636
Fax (406) 495-2003
24 State of Montana
Veterans Affairs Division
Department Military Affairs
Veteran Service Officers
KALISPELL
Stewart, Sherry - Service Officer II kalmvad@centurytel.net
Geralds, Jane - Service Officer I mvadkal@centurytel.net
2989 Highway 93 North
Kalispell, MT 59901-9801
Phone (406) 755-3795
Fax (406) 755-1039
LEWISTOWN
Foster, Sue - Service Officer II lstwmvad@qwestoffice.net
505 W. Main, Ste. 217
Lewistown, MT 59457
Phone (406) 538-3174
Fax (406) 538-3186
MILES CITY
Cohan, Michael - Service Officer II omvaffairs@qwestoffice.net
VA Primary Care Clinic
210 S Winchester
Miles City, MT 59301
Phone (406) 232-1203
Fax (406) 232-8915
MISSOULA
Leibinger, Len - Regional Service Officer mslamvad@qwestoffice.net
Buxton, Melinda - Service Officer II mslamvad@qwestoffice.net
Montee, Andrea - Service Officer I mslamvad2@qwestoffice.net
1911 Tower Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Phone (406) 542-2501
Fax (406) 543-2360
25
VA HEALTH CARE LOCATIONS and CONTACT INFORMATION
Main Hospital Facility
William Street off Highway
Fort Harrison, MT 59636 Minority Vet Outreach Program
Mailing Address:
WJ 'Buck' Richardson Jr
3633 Veterans Drive, PO Box 188
Fort Harrison , MT 59636 MVPC, VISN 19
Phone: 1-800-827-1000 Rocky Mountain Healthcare Network
1-877-468-8387
3687 Veterans Dr.
VA Facility Patient Business Office: (406) 447-7460, 7409, 7350, 7437
PO Box 1500
VA Health Benefits Service Center: 1-877-222-8387
Ft. Harrison, MT 59636
Patient Billing Questions: 1-866-393-1846 Phone 406-447-7547
Network Authorization: 1-888-795-0773 Cell - 406-439-6331
Fax- 406-447-7149
Veteran Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Website: www.va.gov
Billings Primary Care Clinic
Anaconda Primary Care Clinic Billings VA Primary Care Clinic
1775 Spring Creek Lane
Anaconda VA Primary Care Clinic Billings, MT 59102
118E. 7th Street Phone: 406-373-3500
Anaconda, MT 59711 Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Phone: 406-563-6090
Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Cut Bank Primary Care Clinic
Bozeman Primary Care Clinic
Glacier Community Health Center
VA CBOC
Bozeman Primary Care Clinic
519 E. Main
300 N. Willson, Suite 703G
Cut Bank, Montana 59427
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 873-9047
Phone: 406-522-8923
8 AM - 4:30 PM
Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
26
Glasgow Glendive
Glasgow Clinic Glendive VA Primary Care Clinic
621 3rd Street South 2000 Montana Avenue
Glasgow, MT 59230 Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: 406-228-3554 Phone: 406-377-4755
Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm 10:00am - 3:30pm
(Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.)
Great Falls VA Kalispell
Great Falls Primary Care Clinic
Kalispell VA Primary Care Clinic
1417 9th Street South
Three Mile Professional BLDG
VHA Suite 200 ; VRE Suite 301
31 Three Mile Drive, STE 2004
Great Falls, MT 59405
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 1-877-468-8337
Phone: 406-751-5980
To reach the Great Falls Clinic itself, press "3" Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
and when it asks for the next prompt press"5"
8:00am - 4:30pm
Miles City
Lewistown Primary Care Clinic
29 NE Main Street (Hwy 87)
Lewistown, MT 59457 Miles City Clinic and Nursing Home
Phone: 406-535-4790 210 S. Winchester
Miles City, MT 59301
Main Phone: 406-874-5600
Missoula
Clinic: 406-874-5675
NHCU: 406-874-5800
8:00am - 4:30pm
Missoula VA Primary Care Clinic
2687 Palmer St., Suite C
Missoula, MT 59808
406-327-5150 (Clerk/LPN) Havre Outreach Clinic
8:00am - 4:30pm Havre Outreach Clinic
130 13th Street, Suite 1
Havre, MT. 59501
406-265-4304
27
28
Murphy's Combat Philosophy:
Medals are Ok. Having all your warrior brothers alive is better.
29
VUB offices
located here
Montana Veterans’ Upward Bound Offices Are Located In Cisel Hall
Building #5
"The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to
abuse." --James Madison
30 Luke Petriccione, EdD. USMC
Director
406-657-2086
lpetriccione@msubillings.edu
Matthew Borron US Army
CTAP Program Manager
406-657-2093
Lori Borth Michael Wolff
Coordinator Cohort Information Technology
406-657-2026 Support Specialist
Marsha Ferraguti
Coordinator Administrative Services
406-657-2071
Fred Betz, US Army Captain
Records Specialist
406-657-2062
Kathi Bjorgum
Language Arts Instructor
Keeper of Inner Sanctum
406-896-5901
Ann Denny, U.S. Army
TCAB and Special Needs Case Manager
406-657-2076
ann.denny@msubillings.edu
Joe Cobos
MSgt USMCRet
Outreach & Student Recruiter, and Coordinator TCAB
406-657-2063
jcobos@msubillings.edu
31
Our Sincere Appreciation
The staff of the Montana Veterans' Upward Bound program wishes to express their most sincere
gratitude to all the communications services, television and radio stations for their efforts in broadcasting
our Public Service Announcements throughout Montana:
32
Blue Creek Sport Shooting Complex and Preserve
Phone
406.670.1183
Address
1767 Bender Road
Billings, MT 59101
Visit us at http://www.bluecreeksport.com
for more information and membership applications
33
Services with Discounts to Veterans
Imagine a meat that looks like beef, cooks like beef, yet with the fat and cholesterol content less than poultry or
flounder. Now there is such a meat, and it is beef, the best beef that you have ever tasted: Half Circle Ranch Pied-
montese Beef.
We want to help you to continue to enjoy beef healthfully! To do so, we've gone to great lengths to provide excep-
tionally lean, naturally fed, individually pampered beef which is simply delicious.
Half Circle Ranch
15980 Rocky Mountain Rd.
Belgrade, MT 59714
Telephone 406-388-0563
Fax 406-388-0565
Veteran Owned and Operated
hcranch@littleappletech.com
http://www.organicpiedmontesebeef.com/index.htm
34
Services with Discounts to Veterans
Silent Creations Buffalo Products, LLC
Our traditional food preservation methods along with state-of-the-art equipment allow us to add NO PRESERVATIVES,
and still be a USDA Approved product. We work with local ranchers to be sure that these majestic animals are treated
properly throughout their lives, with plenty of room to roam and never subjected to hormones, steroids or antibiotics.
My family has been preserving meat in this same basic fashion for hundreds of years. We have added some flavors and
spices that will be sure to wake up your taste buds to the real flavor that Real Jerky should taste like. Please try Silent
Creations Buffalo Jerky and "Taste the Tradition".
View our brochure for size and pricing information. We would love to hear what you have to say, so please call, send us
an E-mail, or complete our Contact Us form and we'll stay in touch.
Silent Creations Buffalo Products, LLC
43299 Round Butte Road
Ronan, MT 59864
406.381.1498
E-mail
Home Page
About Us
Products
35
Services For Veterans Transitioning
"Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker." --John Adams
36
Services with Discounts to Veterans
WHY CHOOSE AHEAD OF THE CURVE CDC?
Classrooms include: Lan-
Core Knowledge Curriculum
guage Arts, Science and Art
Conscious Discipline Studio, Math and Computer
Brady Wagner Carrie Orr-Wagner
Business Manager Director Secure Building Lab, Music & Dance Studio
and MORE!
Me Grow—Internet
Watch
Physical Address: 3242 Hesper Road
Camera TuitionExpress—Auto
Billings, MT 59102
Withdrawal of monthly
Kids Klubhouse Indoor Play
Mailing Address: PO Box 81106 tuition
Billings, MT 59108 Trained Staff
Discounts to use Kids
Accept Best Beginnings Klubhouse
PHONE: 406.652.8953
FAX: 406.652.0971 Scholarship children to and from
Bus
Evening and Weekend Care many local schools
Email: AheadOfTheCurve@bresnan.net
Justcome by and take a
Little Billings
Website:
tour!
www.AheadOfTheCurveCDC.com
37
Services with Discounts to Veterans
Ayers Small Engines
Service & Repair
Tune ups, carburetor overhaul, minor repair
and blade sharpening on most
Walk-behind mowers, string trimmers/weed-
eaters, chainsaws and other outdoor power
equipment.
Competitive rates!
Call: (406)697-0283
Paul Ayers, USN Ret. Licensed Owner
Rental Housing Services for Veterans
805 Governors Blvd. • Billings, MT 59105
(406) 656-9486 • (406) 256-2227 (fax)
E-mail: jim@freerentalfinder.com
http://freerentalfinder.com/
The Billings portion of our site is at:
http://freerentalfinder.com/billings-mt/