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New Veterans Home “Town Center” named after former Adjutant General and MSVA Board Chairman
November 14th marked a day of celebration at our Mississippi Veterans Home at Tradition. On that day, the "Town Center" of the Home was officially named in honor of Major General (Ret.) James H. Garner.
Gen. Garner's extensive military career spanned over 50 years. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:
Enlisted in the MS National Guard in 1951
Charter Member of the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Appointed Adjutant General of the State by Governor Kirk Fordice in 1992 and reappointed in 1996
Appointed to the State Veterans Affairs Board by Governor Haley Barbour in 2000 and reappointed twice by Governor Phil Bryant. He would serve as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2022.
Gen. Garner, a Gulf Coast resident, is an American hero, an exemplary leader, and a great friend. His service will continue to impact Veterans for years to come. Congratulations to both him and his family!
Public Service Announcement
Mandatory Update for Retired Military ID Cards by January 1, 2026
Courtesy: cac.mil
Military retirees are required to obtain the new “Next Generation” Uniformed Services ID Card, as all legacy paper-based and blue plastic ID cards will become invalid beginning January 2026. Even if a current ID card displays an “INDEF” expiration date, it will no longer be accepted after the transition deadline. The updated ID card is necessary for continued access to military installations, medical services, and other retiree benefits.
How to Obtain the New ID Card
In-Person Appointment:
Schedule an appointment at your nearest DEERS/ID Card Office. Walk-ins may be accepted depending on the location.Online Renewal (if eligible):
Some retirees may apply online if they have a photo on file taken within the last 12 years and have an up-to-date mailing address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).New Retirees:
Retirees should obtain the updated ID card within 30 days of retirement to prevent any lapse in access to benefits.
Key Information
Deadline: The Department of Defense is targeting full transition to the new ID card by January 2026.
Invalidation of Old Cards: All legacy cards—including those marked “INDEF”—will be terminated and rendered invalid after the transition date.
Improved Security: The new cards are durable, secure plastic cards with enhanced security features.
Privacy Protection: The updated ID card no longer displays the cardholder’s Social Security Number.
OUR NEWEST ADDITION - THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS HOME IN TRADITION
NEW MEMORIAL CEMETERY BENEFITS FOR MISSISSIPPI VETERANS
Burial Equity Act - Does It Impact You?
As of July 1, 2024, state law allows certain National Guardsmen and Reservists to be buried at our Newton and Kilmichael locations. Under this law, all costs related to a burial (approximately $950 per Veteran, spouse and/or dependent, plus an additional $115 for niche cover costs) at our cemeteries (casket or cremated) must be paid directly to our cemetery via cashier check or money order. Cemetery/memorial services can only be rendered once all funds are received.
To view the state law relating to the Act, click here.
National Cemetery Administration Adds Options for Commemorative Plaques and Urns
Families of deceased and cremated Veterans can apply to receive commemorative plaques or urns from the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs if they do not want to inter their loved ones in a VA National Cemetery or receive a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion for placement in any cemetery.
Commemorative urns hold the remains of a deceased cremated Veteran, and commemorative plaques are designed to hang on a wall. The urns and the plaques honor a Veteran's service and serve as a lasting tribute to the individual's status as a Veteran. Eligible family members can request one or the other, but not both.
LET US SERVE YOU
Let us serve you!
Our Mississippi Veterans Home at Kosciusko is accepting resident applications. Our team provides compassionate and specialized care for each resident at the facility.
If you or your loved one is a Veteran or the spouse of a veteran needing long-term nursing care, we hope you consider making our Veterans Home yours.
Enroll in VA Healthcare TODAY
Veterans have a unique choice regarding where they get their health care. Because of your service, you are eligible to apply for VA health care. When you sign up for VA care, you join the nation's largest integrated healthcare system with access to experts who understand the Veteran population and service-connected health issues.
Nearly nine million Veterans receive health care at more than 1,200 VA locations nationwide. Most Veterans receive cost-free health care services at the VA, including regular checkups with their primary care provider and appointments with specialists (like cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers). You can also access Veterans health care services like home health and geriatric (elder) care and get medical equipment, prosthetics and prescriptions.
Last year, VA delivered more than 116 million healthcare appointments to Veterans, and 90% say they trust VA to deliver their care. You can hear many of their stories and why they choose to get their care at VA.
Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. Yours will include care and services to help:
Treat illnesses and injuries,
Prevent future health problems,
Improve your ability to function,
And enhance your quality of life.
All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services; some will qualify for added benefits like dental care.
Additionally, women Veterans can receive primary care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, maternity care coverage and other gender-specific services.
Eligible Veterans—and their family members—may visit VA’s many community-based Vet Centers, which provide no-cost counseling, outreach and referral services to help the whole family adjust to life after deployment. Learn more about eligibility for Vet Center Services.
Sign up for VA health care at https://www.va.gov/health-care/ or call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) with any questions. Even if you don’t need this care today, you may need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. And once you’re in, you have access for life.
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