Have you heard of Vet Centers and the counseling services they provide?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 May 2019 00:04:15 -0400

I’m a counselor at a Vet Center and it seems most vets and active military don’t know about us. Have you heard of Vet Centers?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 9 at 2019 1:05 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 09 May 2019 01:05:03 -0400

I'll be candid. I drive by one all the time. They provide a lot of services to veterans we support at a living facility (Crawford House) that take those with homelessness and substance issues and tries to get them back on their feet. Other than that I couldn't tell you what services are available or what happens there.

Response by Sgt Carlos Rivera made May 9 at 2019 8:21 AM

Sgt Carlos Rivera — Thu, 09 May 2019 08:21:36 -0400

Thanks for the work you do to help our men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Vet Centers have changed significantly since they were started in 1979. I worked at the local and regional levels, plus performed some TDY at VACO. "Vets Helping Vets" wherever they were was our guiding principle! Community involvement is the way to get the word out on the good work you do! I would like to see more of that again! I currently serve on the V.A. Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans and mentioned that on our most recent visit to VACO to meet our V.A. Secretary and his executive staff. Thanks again for helping our Veterans and Families! It's a labor of love!

Response by SGT Ken Bell made May 9 at 2019 3:15 PM

SGT Ken Bell — Thu, 09 May 2019 15:15:35 -0400

Not sure what qualifies as a "Vet Center." I saw a notice in the VA Medical Center regarding a group, veteran-led, that held regular meetings (Balboa Park, San Diego, CA). I went once and found it wanting. Out of the 6-8 attendees, most were either homeless or near homeless or just lonely for someone to bitch with. Probably good for them, but wasn't inviting for others. I only went once. I'm certain that everything depends on the group leader and organization, so the one of which I speak may not be led well. Are we talking about the same "Vet Center?"

Response by A1C John Nyquist made May 15 at 2019 7:38 PM

A1C John Nyquist — Wed, 15 May 2019 19:38:45 -0400

What can you provide that can't be found in a VA clinic or hospital?

Response by SP5 Edward J Oleary JR made May 15 at 2019 7:44 PM

SP5 Edward J Oleary JR — Wed, 15 May 2019 19:44:15 -0400

I am in counseling

Response by SP5 Edward J Oleary JR made May 15 at 2019 7:44 PM

SP5 Edward J Oleary JR — Wed, 15 May 2019 19:44:21 -0400

None

Response by SP5 Edward J Oleary JR made May 15 at 2019 7:44 PM

SP5 Edward J Oleary JR — Wed, 15 May 2019 19:44:31 -0400

None

Response by SP5 Edward J Oleary JR made May 15 at 2019 7:45 PM

SP5 Edward J Oleary JR — Wed, 15 May 2019 19:45:57 -0400

I am in counseling

Response by SP5 Edward J Oleary JR made May 15 at 2019 7:46 PM

SP5 Edward J Oleary JR — Wed, 15 May 2019 19:46:11 -0400

Response by Lt Col Jim Arnold made May 15 at 2019 8:09 PM

Lt Col Jim Arnold — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:09:36 -0400

How a can I help? Admin;/Personnel / Education Officer (8.5 years active: 24 years Reserve

Response by Capt Sharon Kelley made May 15 at 2019 8:14 PM

Capt Sharon Kelley — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:14:55 -0400

Response by Carolyn Karlin made May 15 at 2019 8:20 PM

Carolyn Karlin — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:20:55 -0400

Never knew available

Response by Sgt Lari Davis made May 15 at 2019 8:22 PM

Sgt Lari Davis — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:22:48 -0400

I was informed more than 2 years ago that the VA does NOT have anyone qualified to treat me and I belive that individual was and is correct. I see that individual once every 6 months just so they can see how I am doing with an expert outside of the VA. I have DID and will let you figure out what that stands for and if you respond, I will inform you.

Sincerely,

Lari B. Davis
[login to see]

Response by SGT Suzanne Zan Thornton made May 15 at 2019 8:27 PM

SGT Suzanne Zan Thornton — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:27:40 -0400

Nope, this seems like a positive for us- having added services for all( family, vet)

Response by SPC Domenique McGaughey made May 15 at 2019 8:29 PM

SPC Domenique McGaughey — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:29:15 -0400

I've tried to get in with the one in my area but they were months out and offering limited services

Response by LTC Keyko Davidson made May 15 at 2019 8:30 PM

LTC Keyko Davidson — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:30:32 -0400

No, I am retired and this is the first I have heard of Vet Centers. Where can I find a list of locations?

Response by Samantha Shaner made May 15 at 2019 8:33 PM

Samantha Shaner — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:33:03 -0400

No but glad I came across this.

Response by SPC Paul Chmura made May 15 at 2019 8:34 PM

SPC Paul Chmura — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:34:27 -0400

I've never heard of either of them.

Response by PFC Samuel Jimenez made May 15 at 2019 8:37 PM

PFC Samuel Jimenez — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:37:17 -0400

No I have not

Response by SFC Juan Carter made May 15 at 2019 8:37 PM

SFC Juan Carter — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:37:56 -0400

Where are the Vet Centers near Fort Hood

Response by Jean Crawford made May 15 at 2019 8:41 PM

Jean Crawford — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:41:33 -0400

do the vet centers help spouses if the vet is deceased

Response by PVT Michael Harrer made May 15 at 2019 8:43 PM

PVT Michael Harrer — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:43:23 -0400

I haven't heard of this and interested with talking to someone on tinnitus. The VA says they help but nothing has come my way. Doctors don't know what to do but give out drugs. That doesn't help either.

Response by PO3 Linda Lipe made May 15 at 2019 8:44 PM

PO3 Linda Lipe — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:44:56 -0400

Response by SP5 Thomas Greenberg made May 15 at 2019 8:51 PM

SP5 Thomas Greenberg — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:51:53 -0400

Haven't heard of one in the N.woods of WI

Response by SGT Robert R. made May 15 at 2019 8:53 PM

SGT Robert R. — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:53:09 -0400

I have not heard of them here in the north Texas suburbs.

Response by SGT Manuel Sandoval made May 15 at 2019 8:54 PM

SGT Manuel Sandoval — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:54:50 -0400

Email from VA

Response by SSgt Richard Powers made May 15 at 2019 8:56 PM

SSgt Richard Powers — Wed, 15 May 2019 20:56:05 -0400

We have heard of and used in the past, the Nashville Vet Center. We left for a year and now we are told they cannot see me because I am not a combat vet. I can't even get help inside the VA

Response by Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 9:00 PM

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:00:18 -0400

No I have not. I had a serious knee injury in ROTC boot camp at Indian Town Gap in 1966. I have corresponded with the VA for over a year. They finally rejected my request for assistance saying ROTC boot camp was not active duty. Is there anything else I can do to receive compensation. Thank you. Hugh Fulcher, [login to see]

Response by LCpl Patr ick Golden made May 15 at 2019 9:04 PM

LCpl Patr ick Golden — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:04:40 -0400

yes, I went to the out reach center when I lived in NY

Response by MSgt Thomas Price made May 15 at 2019 9:06 PM

MSgt Thomas Price — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:06:30 -0400

I have contacted the VA about counseling and have not received an email or phone call.

Response by CPT Peter Peter made May 15 at 2019 9:13 PM

CPT Peter Peter — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:13:58 -0400

Response by Sgt Ben Shaw made May 15 at 2019 9:30 PM

Sgt Ben Shaw — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:30:41 -0400

Sure have, and regularly refer combat vets (and MST vets) to your centers. (Virginia)

Response by Sgt Kim Viener made May 15 at 2019 9:31 PM

Sgt Kim Viener — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:31:13 -0400

no clue to Vet Centers. Waiting to get into counseling at the VA Med Center, been waiting months, still waiting.

Response by PFC Gregory Hicks made May 15 at 2019 9:32 PM

PFC Gregory Hicks — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:32:23 -0400

Response by Sgt Stephanie Davis made May 15 at 2019 9:44 PM

Sgt Stephanie Davis — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:44:59 -0400

Yes, but I’m not very informed as to what you offer or what is available.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 9:53 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:53:25 -0400

I have not heard of it but wish I knew of services that are closer to me than the VA hospital in KC. The hospital is not in a very good neighborhood and if I want to see someone for counseling, I would prefer to stay local.

Response by PFC Meg Meyer made May 15 at 2019 9:54 PM

PFC Meg Meyer — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:54:28 -0400

Yes and so I am still alive.

Response by A1C Mary Pyle made May 15 at 2019 9:56 PM

A1C Mary Pyle — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:56:29 -0400

Response by SP5 Gary Stolp made May 15 at 2019 10:15 PM

SP5 Gary Stolp — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:15:02 -0400

I have, but that's because I used to answer the VA toll-free phones in Muskogee Oklahoma and had to know that information as part of my job. I also use the VA hospital in Muskogee OK, but don't believe that Vet Centers have ever been mentioned to me there.

Response by CWO4 Swede Ausserson made May 15 at 2019 10:15 PM

CWO4 Swede Ausserson — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:15:25 -0400

Unfortunately, I have not heard of these centers; I am 24-year retired Marine and 100% T&P and yet, do not know of theses centers!

Response by SGT Derrick Gibson made May 15 at 2019 10:20 PM

SGT Derrick Gibson — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:20:02 -0400

I am a peacetime Vet. I have been using the local VA Center for a few years now. I see both a therapist and a psychiatrist. After finally getting my meds straightened out, the VA sent me a notice saying that I am being reclassified. Now I am very worried about losing my benefits. I don't know what I would do without my meds.?

Response by MSgt Donald Buford made May 15 at 2019 10:28 PM

MSgt Donald Buford — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:28:22 -0400

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 10:30 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:30:34 -0400

Kinda

Response by SrA Jerry Cooper made May 15 at 2019 10:38 PM

SrA Jerry Cooper — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:38:54 -0400

No, I just saw this email, and I hope it an answer to prayer

Response by Rebecca Eigel made May 15 at 2019 10:57 PM

Rebecca Eigel — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:57:34 -0400

Yes. I am losing my respite time, because the VA is not paying the adult day services bill. I will contact the nearest one and see what they offer.

Response by CPL Larry Crawford made May 15 at 2019 11:11 PM

CPL Larry Crawford — Wed, 15 May 2019 23:11:02 -0400

is this a VA organization ?

Response by PFC Michael Oberbillig made May 15 at 2019 11:12 PM

PFC Michael Oberbillig — Wed, 15 May 2019 23:12:04 -0400

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, but uncertain about being L.P.C. in Tennessee where I presently live, Memphis to be exact. Any ideas, help, would be appreciated!

Response by SGT Denise Clark made May 16 at 2019 12:12 AM

SGT Denise Clark — Thu, 16 May 2019 00:12:37 -0400

No I have not....

Response by Cpl Rob Newton made May 16 at 2019 1:07 AM

Cpl Rob Newton — Thu, 16 May 2019 01:07:15 -0400

No... I have not. I put in my late husband's information (but with my name) since it said this is for families - but it has no profile/job or section for families to complete the information request.
My husband passed away on 12/8/16, a Viet Nam era 100% Service-related Diabled Vet.
I thought this would get easier with time - but I have not been having much luck with that..... I am not doing well. I get by on a daily basis, but I still cry each and every day.

Response by SPC Tom Gordon made May 16 at 2019 1:14 AM

SPC Tom Gordon — Thu, 16 May 2019 01:14:08 -0400

You Know this is a real sore subject with me. Because im not a combat veteran, war/conflict veteran, but just a regular GRUNT Honorably Discharged, with a 11b40 MOS, I and all other VETS of my ilk, arent allowed in a VET CENTER for services, which is a crock of shit. So fucking what, you were in combat or on a ship in the gulf but how many guys served in WWII who were stateside the whole damn time, how many of them do you see with hats that say WWII ERA VETERAN, not a single forking one, and I bet you money their allowed in the VET CENTER.......for all i care.......i hope TRUMP removes the damn funding for this BS CENTER. thats my story, and im sticking to it

Response by A1C Roosevelt Neal made May 16 at 2019 1:36 AM

A1C Roosevelt Neal — Thu, 16 May 2019 01:36:49 -0400

No I have not.

Response by Capt Kenneth Boone Sampson Sampson made May 16 at 2019 2:38 AM

Capt Kenneth Boone Sampson Sampson — Thu, 16 May 2019 02:38:19 -0400

MARCH TO MEMORIAL DAY
2019

MY VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCE

by
Ken Sampson

Recent multiple veteran suicides at several different main VA hospitals warrant examination of the PTSD factors and attitudes that march veterans toward suicide. These veteran suicides both inside and outside the main VA hospitals are that dead suicide veteran’s personal statement of intense dissatisfaction and frustration with the main VA hospital staff psychiatrist’s attitudes and capabilities.

Veteran suicide rate reduction is now the number one current mission mandate for the VA. Mandated by President Trump. Efforts to quell and silence conversation and discussion among veterans and VA psychiatrists concerning veteran’s suicide motivation to kill themselves would be perilous dereliction of duty.

I myself personally faced a huge mental health challenge not only from combat derived bipolar but also from combat derived PTSD resulting from my critical combat duty of B-52 bomber bombardier during the Vietnam War. I killed thousands. My many combat tours bombing Vietnam culminated in a medical evacuation and and an abrupt termination of my U.S. Air Force career by a forced medical early retirement resulting in my severe depression and identity loss. For years I was plagued with both suicidal and severe homicidal thoughts. I had nine psychiatric hospitalizations.

I sought psychiatric help at both the Miami Vet Center and the Fort Lauderdale Vet Center. At these Vet Centers I received good appropriate treatment for the past several years. This treatment helped me overcome great mental health adversity and moved me toward resilient recovery.

Veterans Administration Vet Centers are entirely separate from VA main hospitals. The Vet Center counselor’s well grounded and firmly practical attitude and education gave me and my wife hope which motivated and moved me toward a resilient recovery. Vet Center counselors are well trained in American military culture. They foster in the combat veteran a
sense of belonging to civilian society again and and foster in the veteran a willingness to transition and adapt to our civilian community,

Altogether different from Vet Center counselors, main VA hospital staff psychiatrists have a parochial “ivory tower” education and training. Main VA staff psychiatrists seem to be disconnected from the reality of the everyday life of average people because they have spent too much of their time in intellectual pursuits. A person coming from an ivory tower has difficulty judging the actions of people and life in general outside of academia.

My friend Miguel was a longtime PTSD patient at Miami VA main hospital in 2012 and 2013. Miguel announced his impending self-death with this shocking pre-suicide email sent to me on 20 May 2013:

“THE MIAMI VA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY DEATH TODAY.”

“I WILL DIE FOR MY FELLOW VETERANS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. NOT AS A MARTYR, BUT AS A MARINE DOING HIS ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO BRING ATTENTION TO A CORRUPT SYSTEM … .”

Miguel “ate his gun” and blew his brains out at his home the night of Friday 24 May 2013, significantly three days before Memorial Day. Miguel’s daughter telephoned me the next morning to report the suicide death of her father. Many combat veterans remember past traumatic memories around Memorial Day.

My experience from my friend Miguel’s suicide and my experience from
my exposure to many VA main hospital staff psychiatrists for 45 years at the Miami VA main hospital, has convinced me that these veteran suicides both inside and outside the VA hospitals are that dead suicide veteran’s personal statement of intense dissatisfaction and frustration with the main VA hospital staff psychiatrists’ attitudes and capabilities.
Even though I was a close friend of Miguel and Miguel communicated with me his suicide intent and the detailed reasons for his suicide immediately before the night of his suicide, when I try to present this idea of veteran dissatisfaction and frustration to the main VA staff psychiatrists I meet against a solid wall of non-acceptance and resistance.

Vet Center counselors validate and treat the veteran.

Main VA hospital staff psychiatrists examine and judge the veteran.

An open attitude of understanding and acceptance by the examining main hospital VA staff psychiatrist is crucial to a veteran’s willingness to candidly talk to the main hospital VA staff psychiatrists about life and death. This life and death talk is essential to suicide rate reduction.

Miguel had contact with a Miami VA psychiatrist the afternoon of 24 May 2013 just before he shot himself. An open non-judgmental psychiatrist attitude was not present for Miguel. Arrogance, resistance, and superiority was.

Kenneth Boone Sampson 2788
Captain USAF Medically Retired
USAFA ’64

Response by SN Anna Layman made May 16 at 2019 2:45 AM

SN Anna Layman — Thu, 16 May 2019 02:45:00 -0400

I went thru an addiction program and now I am on my 5th yr of sobriety. I and my husband have done marriage, I’ve done one on one, and group counseling.

Response by SFC Richard Jennings made May 16 at 2019 3:14 AM

SFC Richard Jennings — Thu, 16 May 2019 03:14:11 -0400

Don't be concerned it been that for my 23 years... the VA/civilian counselors give you you all a bad rep...

Response by TSgt Michael Morton made May 16 at 2019 4:34 AM

TSgt Michael Morton — Thu, 16 May 2019 04:34:12 -0400

Yes.in Tampa we have a VAOutpatient clinic located off Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL off 46th street.

I've referred a navy veteran there who received awesime service that helped him to regain his sobriety & function without drus & alcohol.

Response by Jana Sutherland made May 16 at 2019 5:19 AM

Jana Sutherland — Thu, 16 May 2019 05:19:46 -0400

Response by Kathleen Thorpe Waterman made May 16 at 2019 6:40 AM

Kathleen Thorpe Waterman — Thu, 16 May 2019 06:40:28 -0400

I lost my husband to affects of A.O. 2 years ago. I do not know if you helped spouses

Response by Sgt Solomon Steeley made May 16 at 2019 7:02 AM

Sgt Solomon Steeley — Thu, 16 May 2019 07:02:38 -0400

Haven’t heard of your services

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 16 at 2019 7:20 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 16 May 2019 07:20:20 -0400

I got a great briefing on Vet Centers yesterday at the Melwood facility in Maryland. We also heard about the mobile vet centers. Truthfully, I didn't know much about them until I went to the conference

Response by PFC Misty Lee made May 16 at 2019 7:30 AM

PFC Misty Lee — Thu, 16 May 2019 07:30:18 -0400

I definitely hadn’t heard of this :/

Response by Audrey Black made May 16 at 2019 9:17 AM

Audrey Black — Thu, 16 May 2019 09:17:19 -0400

Yes

Response by Debbie Gray made May 16 at 2019 9:50 AM

Debbie Gray — Thu, 16 May 2019 09:50:31 -0400

No...Where in Rural Mid-Missouri? All paperwork has been filed 2 x ..,
Stopped with boards decision of a paper technicality... so denied. Requested appeal , investigation & re-examination..,
Halted!

Response by A1C Paul Kelly made May 16 at 2019 10:44 AM

A1C Paul Kelly — Thu, 16 May 2019 10:44:21 -0400

How do I get help on earing loss and ringing in the ear from by time in the service?

Response by SPC Peter Hagans made May 16 at 2019 10:57 AM

SPC Peter Hagans — Thu, 16 May 2019 10:57:18 -0400

Response by Mara Dozier made May 16 at 2019 11:19 AM

Mara Dozier — Thu, 16 May 2019 11:19:04 -0400

Is there a place to view all the locations?

Response by Carolyn Karlin made May 16 at 2019 11:56 AM

Carolyn Karlin — Thu, 16 May 2019 11:56:26 -0400

How do I find one locally?

Response by Sgt Desmond Peartree made May 16 at 2019 12:20 PM

Sgt Desmond Peartree — Thu, 16 May 2019 12:20:29 -0400

Response by PFC Gerald Lorencen made May 16 at 2019 1:39 PM

PFC Gerald Lorencen — Thu, 16 May 2019 13:39:46 -0400

no, is there one in Lansing, Michigan

Response by PFC Gerald Lorencen made May 16 at 2019 1:40 PM

PFC Gerald Lorencen — Thu, 16 May 2019 13:40:20 -0400

Response by Cpl Fred Padden made May 16 at 2019 2:21 PM

Cpl Fred Padden — Thu, 16 May 2019 14:21:11 -0400

I'm familiar with various VA Hospitals but, not certain about VA Centers!

Response by SPC PaulStar Tobosa made May 16 at 2019 4:34 PM

SPC PaulStar Tobosa — Thu, 16 May 2019 16:34:58 -0400

i have. I’m in Hawaii and there is one in the Kapolei area. 96707

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made May 16 at 2019 6:17 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 16 May 2019 18:17:49 -0400

I believe that Active Duty and Reserve should use Tricare or military medical care instead of VA services...taking a way resources from Vets...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 6:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 May 2019 18:46:49 -0400

Never heard of it.

Response by PO2 John Brady made May 16 at 2019 7:18 PM

PO2 John Brady — Thu, 16 May 2019 19:18:40 -0400

No It will have not

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 7:45 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 May 2019 19:45:00 -0400

No I haven't tell me more and what can I get help

Response by Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2019 1:36 AM

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 May 2019 01:36:19 -0400

I have just heard of you a few days ago. I would appreciate anything you can help me with my severe knee injury at boot-camp at Indian Town Gap in 1966. Last year I had to have a knee replacement for that knee injury. Please help. Hugh Fulcher

Response by SFC Richard Jennings made May 17 at 2019 7:03 AM

SFC Richard Jennings — Fri, 17 May 2019 07:03:30 -0400

Thats' a shame

Response by Karen Roy made May 17 at 2019 9:27 AM

Karen Roy — Fri, 17 May 2019 09:27:37 -0400

Yes my husband recently passed. He had a service connected disability.

Response by PO1 Kenneth Dillon made May 17 at 2019 12:13 PM

PO1 Kenneth Dillon — Fri, 17 May 2019 12:13:44 -0400

Never heard of them. What are the qualification requirements for veterans and family?

Response by SSG Daniel H Guerrero made May 17 at 2019 1:35 PM

SSG Daniel H Guerrero — Fri, 17 May 2019 13:35:28 -0400

First time I have heard about it

Response by PVT Michael Harrer made May 17 at 2019 2:01 PM

PVT Michael Harrer — Fri, 17 May 2019 14:01:59 -0400

No I haven't heard of vet centers or where or how to get in touch with them.

Response by SPC J Clark made May 17 at 2019 2:09 PM

SPC J Clark — Fri, 17 May 2019 14:09:45 -0400

Sure, I've heard about it and tried to use it. Counselors in this region are all but extinct. There is no one to go to for help and advice. It's a real problem. I am a 7 year Army Veteran with a perfect military record with several metals. Every time I look into counseling (which I really need) I am told that I am ineligible. Basically the US government doesn't give a Rat's Ass about the problems they created for me. Seems like the VA is only for the homeless and guys who know how to work the system much better than me.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Caudel made May 17 at 2019 8:57 PM

SPC Jeffrey Caudel — Fri, 17 May 2019 20:57:42 -0400

Here in California we have CalVet

Response by SPC Spc Clifford Blake made May 17 at 2019 10:16 PM

SPC Spc Clifford Blake — Fri, 17 May 2019 22:16:19 -0400

Haven’t found one in my area that I know I can be comfortable with? I was in the Phoenix Program working in Cambodia mostly hunting officials and officers, plus solving Communist problems. Nixon’s Marauders.

Response by CPT William Fuhrman made May 18 at 2019 3:23 PM

CPT William Fuhrman — Sat, 18 May 2019 15:23:10 -0400

No 0 I never heard of them.

Response by PO1 Barbra Torgusen made May 19 at 2019 5:17 PM

PO1 Barbra Torgusen — Sun, 19 May 2019 17:17:58 -0400

I have heard of them and was encouraged to visit when I retired in 1993; however, I understand that they are only available for vets who served after 9/11.

Response by Cpl Rob Newton made May 19 at 2019 8:53 PM

Cpl Rob Newton — Sun, 19 May 2019 20:53:22 -0400

Not really...just saw something about them - and I am truly in need...

Response by SPC Kitt Lenington made May 21 at 2019 10:50 AM

SPC Kitt Lenington — Tue, 21 May 2019 10:50:04 -0400

Yes. I get services through our local Vet Center

Response by GySgt Chareen Worrell made May 21 at 2019 1:36 PM

GySgt Chareen Worrell — Tue, 21 May 2019 13:36:22 -0400

I'm interested in what might be near me in Beaufort SC.

Response by SP5 Jerry Mucha made May 22 at 2019 5:41 PM

SP5 Jerry Mucha — Wed, 22 May 2019 17:41:39 -0400

Yes, I attended one in San Jose, CA. This was more than 40 years after I was out of Viet Nam and only found out that I was eligible for VA health care benefits from a conversation I had in the American Legion one nighty. No one had informed me before that. The people at that Vet Center were a tremendous help to me in applying for benefits, they guided me through the steps and provided great support. I owe them a lot. I am not saying all vet centers will be like the one in San Jose, but if they are, they are a great benefit to any veteran.

Response by Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 5:44 PM

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 May 2019 17:44:36 -0400

I have now heard of Vet Centers. I need help getting VA benefits!

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Jun 6 at 2019 7:33 AM

1SG Dave Carello — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 07:33:43 -0400

I will say that a Vet Center counselor was instrumental in helping my son survive the viciousness of PTSD after being WIA in Iraq 04. As a combat vet myself and former 1SG I have recommended Vet Centers for my Soldiers and have even seen Vet Centers work wonders for a Korean War infantryman and Viet Nam Vets. I urge any Veteran with lingering issues to USE the Vet Centers.

Response by Linda Testerman made Jul 7 at 2019 3:40 PM

Linda Testerman — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 15:40:22 -0400

Yes, my VN Hubby has been going for a long time. He has seen counselors and been in groups for his PTSD. Unfortunately, the VA has seen fit to take forever to hire a Phsyc Doc and get groups started. The other problem is that the VA in Harrisonburg, VA, wants to do away with existing groups to use Tele groups. This is insane. The Vets there need a group leader that the can interact with. Tele medicine is fine for some but when you are dealing with addiction and depression, you need personal contact.

Response by MAJ Jack Horn, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, CCTP, CCTP-II, CCFP, CDBT made Jul 7 at 2019 7:40 PM

MAJ Jack Horn, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, CCTP, CCTP-II, CCFP, CDBT — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 19:40:58 -0400

I’ve heard of the service, but I’m also a licensed clinical mental health therapist and fully credentialed with Tricare and a contract provider for VA.

Response by SFC Donald Dosch made Jul 20 at 2019 10:05 AM

SFC Donald Dosch — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 10:05:36 -0400

23 years in the Army and then 5+ years working at a VA Medical Center I had never heard of them and I lived only 16 miles from one. Then I saw a job advertisement in USA Jobs for an Office Manager. I have now worked in one for the last 3 months. I think it is a shame that more people don't know about them. Even though they belong to the Veteran's Health Admin which is part of the VA we DO NOT share health information without the express permission from the veteran and we also provide services to active duty and Guard and Reserve personnel. They also provide counseling services for families and Gold Star families. The Vet Centers were created in 1979 specifically to provide services for Vietnam Combat Veterans then as time went on they expanded their services to ALL combat veterans and their families. I highly encourage all combat veterans to seek out their local Vet Center if they are struggling with PTSD or any other emotional problems such as marital or military sexual trauma (for which you do not have to be a combat vet to receive).

Response by CPL Gary Ferguson made Aug 15 at 2019 10:28 AM

CPL Gary Ferguson — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 10:28:21 -0400

Yes I am very familiar with the great work at the vet centers. I send a lot of combat veterans there for services with great results so far. You guys might wan to go to https://www.agooddaytodie.com and down load the first three chapter and offer up you opinion before it goes public.Some has to start telling the truth. Braveheart

A Good Day to Die - Home

Book by Gary Ferguson. Serving in the military changes you – especially for those who have done active duty in war zones. This kind of service brings a sense of purpose and camaraderie for many vets. And it can be difficult to move on from after you’ve experienced it.

Response by A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr made Jan 31 at 2020 9:30 PM

A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 21:30:31 -0500

Yes. My counselor quit working for the VA because of administrative pressures asking him to destroy veteran’s service connected disability claims. It got to be an unbelievable,
“Cloak and dagger,” scenario that I’m intimidated by and don’t want to mention anymore. Just ask other veterans.

Response by A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr made Jan 31 at 2020 9:59 PM

A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 21:59:06 -0500

Some are great & some are harmful. If you suspect your counselor is sociopathic your probably right. I feel fortunate to have experienced the best & recognized the worst. The problem is not everyone can. That’s obvious by the lack supervision & examining the personality of who is hired to be a counselor. Many counselors lack ethics but earned impressive degrees to become well paid government counselors.