http://www.VeteranAid.org

This wonderful website is the creation of Debbie Cicirelli Burak who grew up in Miami Springs and whose brother Ray Cicirelli went to Hialeah High School around the same time as me. Ray also went into the Coast Guard, made a career of it and retired as a Captain. Their father Frank Cicirelli was born, raised and died in Miami. Frank was Chief Flight Engineer for NOAA for 35 years flying Lockheed C-130's all over the world. Frank passed away three years ago after living in an assisted living facility (ALF) and Debbie discovered a little known VA benefit that every family of a veteran should be aware of. The little known benefit is called the Aid and Attendance program that pays a Veteran up to $1,519 per month for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility, and up to $976 per month for surviving spouses. A couple is eligibile for up to $1,801 per month.

Debbie has made it her mission to publicize this benefit so that others may take advantage of it and help preserve family estates or at least see them dwindle away at a less rapid pace. I commend her for her public service.