Are there really any veteran benefits or resources?

2015-03-24T14:59:17-04:00

Recently I was in a room of veterans and the discussion came up about benefits and resources, and a lot of veterans stated there are no benefits or resources (other than retirees)

Is that true? Is your glass half empty or half full?

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-03-24T15:04:25-04:00

What the of benefits are they looking for? It also depends how u got out of th military also

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Mar 24 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-03-24T15:08:50-04:00

Benefits -vs- Resources are two totally different things. A benefit is something earned that can be utilized when needed. A resource could be anything because it is in the eye of the beholder. Resources are plentiful if you look for them. We (RallyPoint) have several different discussions that revolve around resources - one that is specific for resources ..."Resources for Veterans & Service Members" authored by Col Private RallyPoint Member and can be found here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/resources-for-veterans-service-members and in addition, if you need to find something ask here and most often someone in the system knows where to find it.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Mar 24 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-03-24T15:25:45-04:00

not sure if too many to name...but...

I had some free time and sat in on some TAP (wasnt officially enrolled), and the people that came to brief had lots of little gems, both on the spot (resume writing and interviewing practice) to websites to read up on.

Those guys are probably complaining because it isnt always tangibles that are handed to you, but sometimes just some preferentials for being a veteran, an example, you open up your own franchise such as a Subway Sandwich shop and you get a reduced startup fee as a veteran.
In cases such as this, you still have to work...

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-03-24T15:43:47-04:00

By "benefits" and "resources" I'm sure they meant "money." Sounds like they just want a handout. Unrealistic expectations of free stuff.

Response by SrA Larry Toler made Mar 24 at 2015 3:57 PM

2015-03-24T15:57:43-04:00

Some VA medical centers and staff are better at letting vets know their benefits than others. You do not have to be retired. As long as you served more than two years got anything other than a dishonorable discharge and served during (you didn't have to go down range) during a campaign (there is a long list) you can get a wealth of benefits. They aren't just handed to you, but if you follow the VA's instructions you may be entitled to benefits.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 25 at 2015 11:45 PM

2015-03-25T23:45:28-04:00

There are many, but they are not always easy to find. Negotiating the VA is difficult when you retire. I can't imagine what is like for someone who is not a regular retiree. That said, many veterans I have met, like Soldiers, enjoy complaining.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 26 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-03-26T11:34:09-04:00

Part of the problem is a flood of information with tons of resources that are challenging for some to navigate. That strikes me as a good problem to have.

Don't forget what you learned: Observe Orient Decide Act, Improvise Adapt, Overcome! Maneuver and accomplish the objective!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 26 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-03-26T11:42:33-04:00

Not sure I am qualified to vote yet....not yet out. HOWEVER, I am less then 1 year from retirement and I am really hoping that the benefits and resources that I have heard about over the last 20+ years are really there!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-03-27T09:00:18-04:00

In Texas there are allot here is the link to their portal.
http://veterans.portal.texas.gov/en/pages/assist-benefits.aspx