VeTALKX National Peer to Peer Q&A Chat! Ask Questions Now About Navigating VA & Community Services

2024-07-12T09:55:56-04:00

Join us on August 22nd, 1pm – 2 pm ET to participate in our National VeTALKX Q&A Chat on RallyPoint to gain access to Veteran peer support resources. Get connected to a Veteran peer to help you navigate VA and community services. Post your questions on how to get peer support!

(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)

You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program

Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]

The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.

Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.

LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.

Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.

Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.

Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.

Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.

This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.

VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.

The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.

VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.

Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jul 16 at 2024 6:34 PM

2024-07-16T18:34:30-04:00

Good afternoon. Excellent post. Thank you for sharing this on RP. :->

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jul 28 at 2024 12:54 AM

2024-07-28T00:54:26-04:00

Here's A Piece Of Info. Almost Unheard Of By Anyone,
But It IS Important That ALL We Vets Know.
~ After Several Years Of Trying To Find Information About Our Health Care,~
And Getting Nowhere..,
~~~ I Just Typed This Question Into My Search Engine & This Popped Up.~~

SAVE This To Your Permanent Files As Very FEW People, Even IN The VA
Seem To Know About This. ~ And You WILL Need Verified PROOF ~~ THIS Is IT~~

sent: 11/25/2023 9:52:08 PM Pacific Standard Time,

Subject: ~" Is A Military Veteran Entitled To Care And Supplies, Through ANY Va Facility,
Regardless Of Where He Resides?
`
And Here's Their Reply I Received:
"YES, a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there.
However, the veteran must be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll or be enrolled in VA health care
1. The eligibility for community care is dependent upon a veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances
1. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider
1. VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations
1. Please note that VA is not authorized to ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the U.S. or its territories
2. If you’re a veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality
3. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, VA will pay for certain needed health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a disability that’s making a service-connected condition worse 4.
I hope this helps"!
~
~~~ And As We VETS Can See, THIS Is The OPPOSITE Of What We've Been Told
There ARE No Restriction ~ About The Limited Amount Of Time ~ Having To Be A "Traveling VET" ~~
Only Until A Specific Period ~~ Etc.. ~~ NONE ~ We Vets Need Nothing More Than Our Doctors Approval ~~ ZERO Other Conditions Apply..

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 5 at 2024 11:45 AM

2024-08-05T11:45:43-04:00

Those of you in the Green Bay Wisconsin Area can also find help here! https://gbdav-3.org/

Green Bay DAV Chapter 3

DAV Wisconsin aids veterans with government benefits, free medical transport, and advocacy.

Response by James Hodge made Aug 7 at 2024 11:01 PM

2024-08-07T23:01:11-04:00

My wife served 16 years in the Navy at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. She received an Honorable Discharge. She said she can no longer get onto the base. Is there any way she can get access to the base just to visit the stores or get some gas?

Response by Sgt Julio Pabon made Aug 15 at 2024 8:55 AM

2024-08-15T08:55:23-04:00

Hello fellow vets, 1st time joining. I'm a USAF veteran served in the Gulf War in 1990 in Saudi Arabia. Question about VA health benefits, I know I qualify for benefits, but would my wife be able to qualify or access any VA hospital benefits if she did not serve?

Response by SPC Joe Patterson made Aug 21 at 2024 8:05 PM

2024-08-21T20:05:42-04:00

Question, I was recently awarded my 100% Disability. I need to understand what my Wife of 53 yrs, is eligible for in the event of my death.
I feel we need to know the answer to this question.

Thank you and I look forward in getting this question answered.

Response by CN Leorard McDowell made Aug 21 at 2024 9:43 PM

2024-08-21T21:43:19-04:00

When will flu and upgraded Covid shots be available?

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2024 11:17 AM

2024-08-22T11:17:09-04:00

I'm an OIF combat arms Army veteran with a service connected and rare chronic skin condition that is not yet curable and impacts my daily life. Does your organization offer a way for me to find peers with similar conditions? Just talking to someone dealing with this or something like this and sharing /hearing how we manage the symptoms would be hugely helpful. Additionally, my doctors say they need to find more patients to help understand my condition for genetic testing to isolate its exact cause to hopefully find a cure. Any advice you can provide on finding these "rare peers" would be much appreciated.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Aug 22 at 2024 12:29 PM

2024-08-22T12:29:14-04:00

Thank you for having me. 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 a proud spouse and caregiver to a combat wonded Marine. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network serves caregivers of all eras as well as veterans that are caregivers with best practice peer support. You can join us here 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 PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell made Aug 22 at 2024 1:03 PM

2024-08-22T13:03:22-04:00

Greetings everyone, Thanks to everyone who has joined us for the Q&A! Please post your questions and our team of VA & Community Subject Matter Experts are here to answer!

Response by MSG Samuel Rodriguez made Aug 22 at 2024 1:06 PM

2024-08-22T13:06:23-04:00

Hello, I hope this finds all of you well! Thank you for inviting Avalon Action Alliance to join your forum! We see the larger discussion is about helping those who serve our country! I am happy to explain more if you have questions! Below is a summary of what our programs have to offer. Again, thank you! Sam Rodriguez
Avalon Action Alliance, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to assist our Veterans and First Responders in taking the first step toward healing from the hidden wounds of service to our country. We believe in providing the resources to move forward. Avalon has alliances with 11 posttraumatic growth programs, 7 TBI centers, and 2 substance abuse treatment facilities across our nation.
One thing we want to emphasize is that Avalon's Alliance of Care is integrative and not focused on just one element of brain wellness. We connect our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care.
How do we do this? Avalon has an alliance of partners who are committed to an integrative and multidisciplinary approach to overall wellness, especially brain health. We focus directly on the invisible wounds caused by TBI, PTS, and substance abuse. Avalon is here to help remove barriers to care for our transitioning service members, veterans, and first responders.

Response by MG Mark Graham made Aug 22 at 2024 1:18 PM

2024-08-22T13:18:19-04:00

Vets4Warriors [login to see] provides 24/7 live answer peer support. We are a national program with over 845,000 contacts. Calls are confidential / anonymous. Veterans answer the calls and quickly establish a connection to work together on challenges. We connect those reaching out to resources and then follow up for a as long as the caller desires. Our goal is to support 'upstream' before challenges turn into a crisis.

Response by PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell made Aug 22 at 2024 1:24 PM

2024-08-22T13:24:02-04:00

Did you know? 1-800-MyVA11 is the one number to reach VA! 1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to VA. You can still reach VA at any other direct or contact center numbers, but 1-800-MyVA411 offers the simplicity of a single number to call when you don’t know who to call. https://www.va.gov/indiana-health-care/stories/1-800-myva41 [login to see] -is-the-one-number-to-reach-va/

1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is the one number to reach VA | VA Indiana health care | Veterans...

With one phone call, Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors can easily access information on VA benefits and services or be connected to an expert for answers to questions.

Response by Heather Kelly made Aug 22 at 2024 1:25 PM

2024-08-22T13:25:34-04:00

Hi, I'm Heather Kelly and happy to join today on behalf of Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). Travis Manion Foundation is a community - led by veterans and families of the fallen but open to all - that serves together and supports each other. We provide our members best-in-class personal development training and experiences, creating volunteer leaders that address our country's most pressing problems. We believe veterans and families of the fallen are uniquely positioned for this role, both due to their commitment to our country and their passion for service. TMF programs work to ensure the well-being of our veteran and survivor leaders first so they can move forward addressing the needs of their communities, starting with youth and continuing to the larger community.

In order to adequately equip them for their role as leaders, TMF provides them with personal development and training to grow and thrive — beginning with mental health and well-being, and continuing to community support. Armed with these resources, they are empowered to serve and unite communities while ensuring the legacies of our fallen live on in the next generation of leaders.

I encourage you to Join the Mission at our website, http://www.travismanion.org, and I'm happy to answer questions!

Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.

Response by PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell made Aug 22 at 2024 1:28 PM

2024-08-22T13:28:08-04:00

Want to learn more about resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Subscribe to #VetResources to receive this weekly newsletter. Sign up here: https://news.va.gov/vetresources/

vetresources

Response by PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell made Aug 22 at 2024 1:33 PM

2024-08-22T13:33:41-04:00

Learn more about the PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit: https://news.va.gov/129251/pact-act-2024-health-care-eligibility-toolkit/

The PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit - VA News

VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA’s expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans.

Response by AB Bonnie Carroll made Aug 22 at 2024 1:52 PM

2024-08-22T13:52:39-04:00

Thank you for joining us today. For 30 years, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) has been a pillar of support for the families of our nation’s fallen heroes, providing unwavering comfort, care, and resources to those grieving the loss of their loved ones who selflessly served our nation. Whether a service member or veteran dies in combat, by suicide, from illness, or in an accident, TAPS stands ready to support their families and honor their lives, ensuring they are forever remembered by a grateful nation. TAPS is a family. A family of care, compassion and hope. We are here for you, whether you need someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a connection to resources, or an opportunity to remember and honor your loved one. If you are in need of support or are looking for way to support surviving military families, please visit https://www.taps.org/ and join the TAPS family.

Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You!

TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one.

Response by MSG Samuel Rodriguez made Aug 22 at 2024 1:58 PM

2024-08-22T13:58:27-04:00

With little time left on this chat, I'd like to share two personal testimonies that veterans have shared with our organization to demonstrate the incredible work our Avalon Action Alliance organizations are accomplishing for our Veteran and First Responder communities. We are here to help! If you don't reach out to our organization, then reach out to any of the other incredible resources in this chat! Here is the first testimony:

MaDonna U.S. Army Navy Veteran, Boulder Crest Warrior PATHH
“Your will to live has to be stronger than anything that’s ever happened to you.”
MaDonna joined the US Navy right after high school, serving on active duty for six years and for the next 17 years serving as a police officer in her hometown of Macon, GA.

She has known trauma her entire life. The first was when she was 6, and then again at 12 when she experienced incidents of sexual trauma. When the same type of trauma happened while serving in the military, she learned not to trust herself, and because it was from a superior-ranking enlisted member, she learned not to trust the military. It’s impacted every relationship she’s had, including the one with her children.

“My older two, I had them younger, and I was going through the motions. They were more like my little roommates than a parental/child relationship. I protected, I provided, but I was emotionally dead. The younger two got more, but I still wasn’t emotionally available like a mother should be. I decided that I’ve got to let them know I’m human. That was my turning point.”

And that turning point led her to Warrior PATHH (WP). She knew she couldn’t make any more excuses. She was ready to live and not just exist. The MaDonna that showed up to WP carried a lot with her, uncertain if she was going to unpack her bags or take them back home. She chose to show up.

"My experience is one that is almost indescribable with words. The difference for me from any other therapy was the moment the guides, who are also veterans and first responders, told their stories first. They came clean first. They emptied first. And that for me was pivotal from any other thing I’ve tried because I said ‘they understand. They are going to hear me, see me, feel me. They are going to truly get what I’m saying because they have experienced trauma."

She is now free. Free to tell her story without shame. The advice she would give to any veteran or first responder, especially women, is this… “Just move. Even if you go and say, I’m not going to say a word - whatever your reason is - GO. If you want to truly live and not just exist and lay down your baggage, exhale, release, open your hand – GO. Complete your mission of you.”

Response by MG Mark Graham made Aug 22 at 2024 1:58 PM

2024-08-22T13:58:51-04:00

Thanks to all who served and your families. Vets4Warriors peers are available 24/7 [login to see] and can assist you in connecting to organizations, many which joined her today. Be well.

Response by MSG Samuel Rodriguez made Aug 22 at 2024 2:01 PM

2024-08-22T14:01:28-04:00

With little time left on this chat, I'd like to share two personal testimonies that veterans have shared with our organization to demonstrate the incredible work our Avalon Action Alliance organizations are accomplishing for our Veteran and First Responder communities. We are here to help! If you don't reach out to our organization, then reach out to any of the other incredible resources in this chat! Here is the second testimony:

Randy
U.S. Army Veteran
UNC Thrive Program

After nearly 40 years of military service and contract work, Randy found himself sitting in his recliner, thinking another 20 years of feeling disconnected and lost was not appealing.
It was his daughter who helped him see that things could be different. As a veteran herself, she was struggling with invisible wounds and decided to do something about it. A few months earlier, she graduated from the UNC Thrive program, and he saw the change.
It was his turn to go. In Randy’s own words: For the first time in a long time, I found a group of people who truly cared about me getting better. The tests the team at THRIVE recommended revealed much physical damage that had gone undiagnosed, and the pain reduction exercises they put me through provided immediate relief. They also forced me to acknowledge the mental wounds I’d tamped down to retain my military clearance and to survive the last few years leading up to my retirement.
I uncovered that I wasn't suicidal in the sense of a conclusive end, but when I was honest with myself, I realized I spent too much time trying to get killed.
At THRIVE, I found a team of people who cared about me. They don’t pass out pills, they taught me the tools I needed to look deep, deal with my issues, and continue to put the work in on my own. This program is long-lasting, real healing.
There wasn’t a day during my time with the THRIVE team that I didn’t feel welcome. My healing was their number one priority. It literally saved my life, and it may save yours.