California Veterans! Ask Questions Now! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support?

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On October 21st, 11-12 PM PT, 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:
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» Justin Monk - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» SGT Jim Zenner - Veteran Peer Access Network, LA County Department of Mental Health
» Rebecca Brenen - VSCM, LA VA Regional Office
» SPC Kathy Cash - Certified Peer Specialist, HUD VASH Program
» Erin O'Rourke - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director Community Integration, America’s Warrior Partnership
» MSgt Adam Castillo - Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN)
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Staci H. - Senior Manager of Volunteers and Partnerships, Blue Star Families
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Natalie Souza - AVSCM, LA VA Regional Office
» Danielle Bracco - Director of Operations, ETS Sponsorship Program
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» CPL Lance Iunker - CalVet LINC, San Diego
» Pamela Redwine - Coach, Public Contact, LA Regional Office, VA

Posted in these groups: 142b7f10

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Responses: 72

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Andi Martinez

Posted >1 y ago

If you are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself, please call Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255

Melissa Comeau

>1 y

Text support has been helpful for those that do not want to call.

Andi Martinez

Posted >1 y ago

Are you having challenges with your VA care and benefits?
Call White House VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)

Melissa Comeau

>1 y

Often times the call is answered by a Veteran or military family member. Great resource to get your concerns addressed.

Andi Martinez

Posted >1 y ago

VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/

Print out your VA Welcome Kit | Veterans Affairs

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Melissa Comeau

>1 y

Love these VA Welcome Kits!

Andi Martinez

Posted >1 y ago

Thank you for joining us today! Post your questions here for one of our experts to address!

Melissa Comeau

>1 y

Hello Andi Martinez Thank you for all of your efforts.

Danielle Bracco

Posted >1 y ago

Our mission at ETS Sponsorship is to support the journey between active duty service and rejoining the civilian community as a Veteran. Veterans are a national treasure, and communities across the country are eager for your arrival! Interested in becoming a sponsor for a Servicemember leaving active duty and moving to California? Please check out our program at http://www.etssponsorship.com. Much like the military provides sponsors for PCS moves, we connect new Veterans with trained sponsors from their destination community to facilitate a smooth transition.

ETS Sponsorship Program

Melissa Comeau

>1 y

Thank you for joining Danielle Bracco I appreciate all that ETS Sponsorship does.

SGT Nina Webb

Posted >1 y ago

Im in San Diego. Where can I sit down face to face with someone to ask questions about my benefits?

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MSgt Adam Castillo

>1 y

I am located in Los Angeles but we can find a resource for you in San Diego if you would like. Please connect with me with more details offline

Natalie Souza

>1 y

The San Diego VA Regional Office is located at 8810 Rio Sand Diego Drive, San Diego CA 92108. Because of social distancing requirements still in place we are encouraging Virtual Appointments but you can schedule an appointment with them via:
Public Contact Virtual Services:
Phone: [login to see]
E-mail: [login to see]
Virtual - https://v2.waitwhile.com/book/veteransaffairs3/service

Waitwhile: Next Gen Waitlist App, Appointment & Queue Management

Waitwhile is a virtual waitlist app and scheduling software that lets you create the customer experience of the future

Pamela Redwine

>1 y

https://www.benefits.va.gov/sandiego/ this is the link for the San Diego Regional Office . or you can use the locator at http://www.va.gov for other offices. Hope this helps

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.

1SG Zelda Davis

>1 y

Good afternoon SGT Webb, please see additional employment and training resources to assist in finding employment and internship opportunities at the VA/Federal government http://www.vacareers.va.gov and [login to see]

Serve those who have served our country

ChooseVA helps you better understand your options by providing comprehensive information in one convenient place. Explore videos, links and firsthand accounts from Veterans and employees explaining the range of benefits, health care and employment...

CPL LeChonne Wright

Posted >1 y ago

I have received very little support while attempting to establish benefits. It has been a year+ trying to get reviewed and a rating from the VA. Why does it take so long? Can anyone offer any assistance beyond posting another link or number that turns into a circle to no where?

MSgt Adam Castillo

>1 y

I am very sorry to hear about this Cpl Wright. Please let me assist with this issue. Contact our office at [login to see] ask for VPAN

Rebecca Brenen

>1 y

Cpl Wright, I am sorry to hear about your challenges. I know you requested something more than just another link or phone number, but this link is unique to the LA Regional Office and allows you to make an appointment with a representative at a time most convenient for you. They will provide you with a current status on your claim, can assist you in obtaining supporting evidence to substantiate your claim, and answer any questions you may have.
To speak with an agent at the LA VA Regional Office, please utilize this link to make an appointment most convenient for you.
https://v2.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join

Waitwhile: Next Gen Waitlist App, Appointment & Queue Management

Waitwhile is a virtual waitlist app and scheduling software that lets you create the customer experience of the future

Stephanie Sedway

Posted >1 y ago

Is this not a Zoom kind of seminar? Am I missing a link?

SrA (Join to see)

>1 y

Hi Stephanie Sedway - You're on the right page. Just type in your question and the subject matter experts will respond in writing.

SPC Kathy Cash

>1 y

Hi Stephanie Sedway What questions do you have today?

PO1 Hollis Theon Rogers

Posted >1 y ago

I need assistance using my home loan as a 1st time buyer

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SSG Jeffrey Spencer

>1 y

The VA eligibility is not very hard to use. I am willing to coach you through the process if needed. First step is to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Contact your local VA or VSO to get that going.

Pamela Redwine

>1 y

https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf The Federal Benefits Book is a great place to start. There is a section about home loans. In addition, you can visit http://www.va.gov as well as call the home loan number at [login to see] . You will need to get your home loan certificate of eligibility if you do not already have it. This is form VA 26-1880

2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf

PO1 Hollis Theon Rogers

>1 y

I have my COE, I am looking for houses in our area and since I really do not how to buy a house it is kind of scary. I talked with realtors and they seem fishy.

Pamela Redwine

>1 y

I would call the home loan number i provided you and they can give you counseling

CPT Neil Turner

Posted >1 y ago

How does one apply for VA discount benefits with a live-in Senior Care facility? (I'm 86, and served from 1957-1964. Captain, US Army Aviation).

Pamela Redwine

>1 y

https://app.waitwhile.com/lists/vba-departmentofvete/join We may need to ask a few more questions to get to the right answers for you. If you are looking for discounts that all Veterans get, you can get the Veteran indicator on your CA ID to get discounts or if you have a VHA medical card it will also help you to obtain discounts in the community. If you are speaking of something else, we would need to ask a few more questions in which case you can make an appointment at the link above and we will call you back

Waitwhile: Next Gen Waitlist App, Appointment & Queue Management

Waitwhile is a virtual waitlist app and scheduling software that lets you create the customer experience of the future

California Veterans! Ask Questions Now! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support?

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.