Montana Veterans! Do You Have Health and Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support? Ask Questions Now!

RallyPoint News — Tue, 31 May 2022 16:27:52 -0400

On June 30th, 2-3 PM ET, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on benefits, claims, and peer-to-peer support services. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Lindsay Berge - Veteran Service Officer, Montana Veterans Affairs Division
» PO3 Brady Cartner - Legal Administrative Specialist, VBA
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Coleton Whitaker - Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Mary Beard - National Employment Coordinator, VBA
» Jay Gorman - Psychologist, VA
» SGT Lauren Augustine - Vice President Government Affairs, SVA
» SGT Blake Fuhriman - Chairman, Veterans Navigation Network
» Kris Lord - Associate Director of Operations, Veteran Opportunities, Team RWB
» MSG Christopher Hawkins - Supervisory Management Analyst, Health Eligibility Center, VA

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2022 7:32 PM

MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2022 19:32:33 -0400

Great share!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 9 at 2022 2:34 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:34:59 -0400

thanks for sharing

Response by LCpl Kurt Dean made Jun 22 at 2022 7:49 PM

LCpl Kurt Dean — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:49:44 -0400

I just moved here from Georgia. I was in the USMC Reserves from 1981 with HMA-773 at NAS Atlanta and honorably discharged in 1986. I was able to see the VA Doctor in Georgia. The VA here will not see me. They say i don't qualify. I don't have insurance and i need to get a primary care Dr here. Can you please let me go to the VA to get a primary care Doctor. It does not seem right that i can go to the VA in one state and not another.

Thank you,

Kurt Dean

Response by SPC Maria Thomas made Jun 22 at 2022 9:10 PM

SPC Maria Thomas — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 21:10:10 -0400

My Uncle was in the army. He died of Parkinsons Disease, pretty sure he came in contact with "agent orange" during his years of service. Is it too late to file a claim?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 22 at 2022 11:09 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 23:09:10 -0400

It’s always a pleasure seeing Melissa Comeau on these Q&A panels. Her depth of knowledge on caregiving topics is unparalleled.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2022 12:05 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:05:31 -0400

Why does DR Hayman of Ft Harrison not answer formal complaints of employee violations of Federal Laws, US Employee Code of Ethics, The VA Rights of a Patient, and Violations of The US Constitution, as well as DR Hayman's refusal to abide by USC code to enforce all US Federal laws within her juristiction

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 23 at 2022 3:11 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 15:11:01 -0400

Thanks for sharing.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 25 at 2022 11:53 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 11:53:27 -0400

thanks for the share.

Response by Andi Martinez made Jun 27 at 2022 1:04 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:04:05 -0400

Are you a Veteran and a resident of Montana? Register for the Montana VEAC event for personalized 1-on-1 assistance on: claims & appeals filing/status updates, healthcare enrollment, state and community services, GI Bill and career transition assistance, memorial affairs benefits, crisis resources, and more. At the time of your appointment, a Veteran Service Officer will call you—via telephone—to kick off your appointment. We look forward to connecting with you! Click on blue appointment button to sign up! https://book.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/#/

%23

Response by SPC Arthur Lowder made Jun 28 at 2022 9:50 PM

SPC Arthur Lowder — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 21:50:57 -0400

Can a veteran submit a claim with a military record as backup?

Response by SN Cathy McCollett made Jun 29 at 2022 6:09 PM

SN Cathy McCollett — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:09:57 -0400

How do I find out what resources are available to me and their location?

Response by CPL Chanel Jackson made Jun 30 at 2022 3:38 AM

CPL Chanel Jackson — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 03:38:52 -0400

Hello I have a question for PO3 Brady Cartner, I am a spouse of a deceased 100% perm and total vet. I am a vet as well. I have been employed by the Phila. Va hospital since 2002 in EMS. I am now currently a work leader for 3yrs. I have applied for the supervisor position numerous times only to be denied and someone with little or no experience in the dept. and/or is a civilian. I thought that military spouses have first preference. That does not seem the case here in Phila. I had just (06/22/22) interviewed for the supervisor position that's currently available and waiting on results. Do I have any legal bases at this point?

Response by Sgt Jennifer Schmidt made Jun 30 at 2022 5:41 AM

Sgt Jennifer Schmidt — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:41:08 -0400

How do I watch or listen?

Response by Sgt Jennifer Schmidt made Jun 30 at 2022 5:59 AM

Sgt Jennifer Schmidt — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:59:05 -0400

Moving to Great Falls Montana in 2-3 Months. How do I get established with a VSO there? I also have medical needs. Social Work, Psychiatrist, Peer Support, and pick a new Doctor. Does Great Falls have outpatient clinic. I'm 100% disabled. Basically how do I go about getting help with my needs there. I also go to the Buffalo VA med Ctr. Billings is too far. No transportation. Can I use the base? Thank you

Response by PO2 Shannon Noble made Jun 30 at 2022 12:28 PM

PO2 Shannon Noble — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:28:41 -0400

I’m an AJC DVOP in Missoula and Outreach Specialist for the Veteran Support Network (VSN) – Missoula Region (access website from your desktop): https://www.vsnmontana.org/ If anyone has questions for Western Montana, feel free to reach out and thank you for your service! :)

Veteran Support Network (VSN) - Missoula Region

Resources, services, and events for Veterans, service members, and their families & caregivers in the Missoula Region

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Jun 30 at 2022 1:29 PM

1SG Zelda Davis — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:29:30 -0400

Good afternoon and welcome to the VetXL Montana Veterans Q&A. My name is Zelda Davis with the Veteran Employment Program Office. Our mission is to assist you with finding employment opportunities primarily in VA. However, we also partner with other Federal Agencies and private sector employers seeking to fill their companies mission-critical positions with qualified Veterans. If you have questions on need further assistance please contact our office via e-mail @ [login to see] . You can also visit the VA for Vets website @ http://www.vaforvets.va.gov for employment opportunities, internships and additional resources to assist you further with the Federal Hiring Process and Navigating USAJOBS. You can also visit VA Careers @ [login to see] to review other employment opportunities that will link you directly to USAJOBS.

VA for Vets: Your Gateway To VA Careers

VA for Vets

Response by Coleton Whitaker made Jun 30 at 2022 1:57 PM

Coleton Whitaker — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 13:57:06 -0400

Hello everyone! Happy to answer any questions around military and veteran caregivers and VA's caregiver program and resources. We at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation also provide some great programs, direct support services, FREE respite for veterans and caregivers, and emergency financial assistance resources. Find out more at HiddenHeroes.org.

https://hiddenheroes.org/

Hidden Heroes - Join and Support Military Caregivers

Military caregivers don’t often ask for help, but they deserve our support. Join the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes campaign today.

Response by PO3 Steve Williams made Jun 30 at 2022 2:05 PM

PO3 Steve Williams — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:05:18 -0400

When will the VA Doctors be held accountable for their responsibilities and required/requested actions by other departments? Other than simply ignoring the need and saying I need to switch to a new provider team????? I have filed a grievance with the DC Inspector Generals office 4 months ago, Patient Advocate stated "Nothing I can do to make him respond"...so I have simply fukien given up on resolution to the pain and other issues I am experiencing since December 2021....

Response by SGT Lauren Augustine made Jun 30 at 2022 2:06 PM

SGT Lauren Augustine — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:06:55 -0400

Good afternoon -- Student Veterans of America® (SVA) elevates the academic, professional, and personal development of veterans in higher education through chapter programs and services, outcomes and impacts research, and advocacy at every level. With a mission focused on empowering student veterans, SVA is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Jun 30 at 2022 2:16 PM

Melissa Comeau — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:16:57 -0400

Greetings! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. I am also the proud spouse and caregiver to a medically retired Marine. We both LOVE Montana and I look forward to participating in this event. If you would like to learn more about my work with the Red Cross please visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.

Response by Kris Lord made Jun 30 at 2022 2:19 PM

Kris Lord — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:19:05 -0400

Good afternoon. My name is Kris Lord, and I'm an Associate Director with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). Team RWB is here to support veterans in their health and wellness journey with real-life and virtual training opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle, physical events, and social activities. We have more than 200,000 members across the country; even in areas not located near a city chapter, our members can create events in our app and connect in their communities. We also have a strong virtual community. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. [login to see] . https://about.teamrwb.org/

Team Red, White & Blue

Response by Sgt Jay Dalrymple made Jun 30 at 2022 2:20 PM

Sgt Jay Dalrymple — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:20:34 -0400

Good afternoon everyone! I would be happy to answer any questions about the VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA) or burial services in a national cemetery. The NCA operates 155 national cemeteries across the US and supports 119 VA grant funded State or Tribal cemeteries as well. You can find more information about the NCA at https://www.cem.va.gov/.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by Andi Martinez made Jun 30 at 2022 2:31 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:31:03 -0400

Your feedback matters
We want to hear about your experience with the Veterans Experience Live (VetXL) event. Your answers to these questions help us improve our services. https://survey.voice.va.gov/?DiBdvo-VetXL

Make the connection to a local Peer-to-Peer (P2P) organization

Peer-to-Peer organizations, with support from the community, help Veterans navigate the challenges of life. Two such organizations in your state are Veteran’s Navigation Network (VNN) and Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB).

• VNN facilitates a smooth transition from military service to civilian life. The VNN network supports job placement, physical and mental health, and linking the other services available throughout the community.

• Team RWB exists to guide Veterans through real life journeys providing opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle. Team RWB places a strong focus on mental and physical health as they are critical to ensuring Veterans’ best days are ahead.

• Connect with VNN Blake Fuhriman @ [login to see] and Team RWB Terra Rockhold Stene @ [login to see]

• Start your search to find local VA peer support, Vet Centers, and mental wellness resources. https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Survey

Response by Andi Martinez made Jun 30 at 2022 2:34 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:34:13 -0400

Do you need care now ? Begin your journey with VA or Check-In: https://www.bushcenter.org/veteran-wellness/clinical-care.html

Veteran Wellness Alliance -- Health Care Providers

Find a healthcare provider -- for both physical and mental wounds.

Response by Andi Martinez made Jun 30 at 2022 2:35 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:35:05 -0400

Peer networks provide veterans support through empowering social connectedness, purpose-driven living, and overall health & well-being. Connect with a Veteran Wellness Alliance peer network in your community today. Connect with one today! https://www.bushcenter.org/veteran-wellness/peer-networks.html

Veteran Wellness Alliance -- Peer Networks

Connect with fellow warriors -- and find a new purpose.

Response by Lindsay Berge made Jun 30 at 2022 2:35 PM

Lindsay Berge — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:35:52 -0400

Good Afternoon! I am a Veteran Service Officer in Billings with Montana Veterans Affairs Division. We have office throughout Montana to assist veterans and their families. I am available to address VA service connection and pension questions. I can also provide various VA resources for other subjects. I look forward to speaking with you!
https://dma.mt.gov/MVAD/index

Montana Veteran's Affairs

Response by SGT Blake Fuhriman made Jun 30 at 2022 2:43 PM

SGT Blake Fuhriman — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:43:43 -0400

Hello All,

I am Blake Fuhriman. I served in the army prior to discharging in 2013. I struggled to find local resources, but more importantly to me, i struggled to find the comradery i had in my unit, back in the civilian world. Thats why i started VNN. We are local to Billings Montana, but provide resource navigation state wide. We also do regular vet connect events in Billings Montana, which just get vets together. Similar events happen across montana that are similar that we can connect you with as well. Lastly, we also do peer mentorship, which is really just other vets in the community who are successful being available to help you achieve your goals. If you are interested in any of these things, feel free to reach out to me or Mike, our program coordinator at [login to see] or by email at [login to see] .

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2022 3:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:06:31 -0400

Hi all, thank for answering questions.

I've been looking for some sort of job seeker help for federal or other jobs. I was honorably discharged several years ago and most the job seeker benefits I see are for vets just separated within the year.

I used my GI Bill to earn a bachelors degree and currently do contract web development, but would love to find the security and consistency of going back to work for the government.

The federal job applications are complicated and very time consuming and I've seen several rejections.

I'm looking for even simple review of my application material and some advice.

Do you all know of a program or can you connect me with someone?

Thank you!