New Identity Cards Designed
VA has developed a new identity card for veterans that will safeguard
confidential information and reduce the possibility of fraud.
"The new identification card insures that veterans’
personal information is protected," said Secretary Principi.
"It also helps prevent the theft of important benefits and
services that veterans have earned by their service to our country."
The card is known as the Veterans Identity Card (VIC). It includes
the veterans’ photos on the front of the card and encrypts
on magnetic tape Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and
control numbers on the back.
Veterans should request the new card at the local VA medical
center. Processing will take five to seven days once eligibility
is verified. VA hoped to complete the conversion to the safer
card by mid-November. The existing cards will remain valid until
veterans receive their new cards.
Foresight Still a Hit
Foresight Ski Guides, Inc. of Denver, Colorado, is once again
offering affordable skiing and snowboarding to the blind and visually
impaired of all ages and skill levels. The program added cross-country
skiing and snowboarding last year, and continues to grow in number
of participants, trained guides, and sponsors.
"Our popularity grew to the point last year that we had
to turn away a number of skiers, but we have made arrangements
to accommodate the increasing demand to participate," said
Mark Davis, Founder and President of Foresight. Davis, legally
blind himself due to a rare symptom of Multiple Sclerosis, started
the program in 2001 to provide opportunities for others to enjoy
the sport he had passionately loved and enjoyed from a very young
age.
"We work with beginning skiers and move all the way up to
fairly advanced," he said. "Age is also not a factor
as last year our youngest skier was 12 and our oldest was 82."
Foresight provides everything needed for a safe and comfortable
experience on the mountain—a lift ticket, a trained and experienced
guide, quality equipment, transportation to and from the slopes,
and lodging assistance—all for approximately $100. The low
fee is possible due to the large number of organizations and enterprises
who believe in Foresight’s mission and generously serve as
the organization’s sponsors.
Foresight is a member of both Disabled Sports USA and Professional
Ski Instructors of America.
The program runs seven days a week from November 19 through
the third Sunday in April.
For more information, contact Foresight Ski Guides at toll free
866-860-0972 or through email address info@foresightskiguides.org.
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