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

RallyPoint News — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:34:12 -0400

On November 15th, 1-2PM 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:
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director Community Integration, America’s Warrior Partnership
» Justin Monk - Policy Associate, Student Veterans of America
» 1SG Zelda Davis - Management Analyst, VA
» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» MCPO Tom Whitney - Assistant Veterans Service Center Manager, VBA
» Jonathan Barczyk - Public Affairs Specialist, VA Maine Healthcare System
» Rebecca Damron - Training Instructor, VA
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services, VA Central Office, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Student Veterans of America:
Student Veterans of America is a Chapter-based organization with about 1,500 locations on college campuses nationwide. We represent about 800,000 student veterans and work on personal and professional development, leadership training, and advocacy at the federal level.

Response by PFC David Foster made Nov 1 at 2021 1:00 PM

PFC David Foster — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:00:10 -0400

Thanks for the share.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2021 2:00 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:00:28 -0400

Great support for the Vets!

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 9:33 AM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:33:55 -0500

How can I receive VA health services in Maine?

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 9:34 AM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:34:22 -0500

What benefits are available for Maine Veterans for education, home loans, and employment?

Response by BG Mike Eastman made Nov 15 at 2021 9:35 AM

BG Mike Eastman — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:35:29 -0500

The ETS Sponsorship Program supports military members in their return to civilian life. Up to 12 months before leaving active duty, we connect you with a trained sponsor from your future hometown ready to answer your practical questions, just like for any PCS move. Even more, we help you secure the benefits and services you earned by wearing the uniform. Leaving the military and headed to Maine? Want to sponsor a servicemember returning to Maine? Please check us out and sign up at http://www.etssponsorship.com.

ETS Sponsorship Program

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 9:36 AM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:36:14 -0500

What local peer support services are available to me in Maine?

Response by LT John Selman made Nov 15 at 2021 10:11 AM

LT John Selman — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:11:14 -0500

I've been mistakenly placed under the financial caretaker program. It has done innumerable damages to my life. I've had 1 year of benefits and 13 years of torture living on minimum wage. How can I remove myself from that program which had wrecked my life so many times repeatedly?

Response by Capt Joel Sabean made Nov 15 at 2021 10:31 AM

Capt Joel Sabean — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:31:12 -0500

I recently received an empty refund envelop from the VA that was supposed to contain a COVID period medical copay refund of 100 dollars. I sent an explanatory letter in return but have nothing in reply over 2 months. How do I get my refund restored? Thank you.

Response by SPC Wil Whalen made Nov 15 at 2021 10:36 AM

SPC Wil Whalen — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:36:52 -0500

Does the Maine VA partner with any pharmacies? I got really sick this past summer and was prescribed penicillin from a First Care civilian doctor. I had to pay out of pocket for it. It wasn't expensive, but I know a lot of vets aren't in a position to afford out of pocket expenses. If the VA doesn't partner with a pharmacy, what's the best way to get meds when you need to start taking them immediately? Thank you.

Response by Cpl Shawn Don made Nov 15 at 2021 12:03 PM

Cpl Shawn Don — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:03:41 -0500

as the wife of a 100% disabled United States Marine, and as a woman, and as a disadvantage minority I am trying to find financial assistance because Covid 19 has and continues to harm my 26 room hotel business. I am just over 25 miles from the Maine / Canadian border, so there are no funds, RRF was not allowed for an unknown reason, shuttered venue was not allowed, I did get EIDL - 1 and minor PPP, but was denied EIDL - 2 most likely because I went into business January 22, 2021 and naturally there is NO way to show a loss between 2019 and 2020. What kind of assistance if any is available IN A HURRY

Response by Melissa Comeau made Nov 15 at 2021 12:07 PM

Melissa Comeau — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:07:24 -0500

Welcome ALL! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the spouse and caregiver of a combat wounded Marine. I am also the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the Red Cross. We support caregivers of all eras, all relationships, across all locations with best practice, structured peer support, self care, volunteer opportunities and more. Please join us by visiting 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 Jeanette Gilles made Nov 15 at 2021 12:49 PM

Jeanette Gilles — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:49:25 -0500

Welcome all. I am Jeanette Gilles with Americas Warrior Partnership, I am the lead on our Network which connects veterans and communities with national resources. Please let me know if I can assist you. You can also reach us through our link https://www.tfaforms.com/4729410

4729410

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 1:18 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:18:47 -0500

Thank you for joining! Please check out VA's Welcome kit and quick start guides here: https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/

welcome-kit

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 1:19 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:19:03 -0500

Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/

Veteran Resources - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 1:20 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:20:02 -0500

If you are having challenges with your VA health and benefits or experiencing a crisis, please use these call resources: White House VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent)
Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 1:23 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:23:30 -0500

Find your local Student Veterans of America chapter in Maine today! https://studentveterans.org/chapters/find-a-chapter/

Find A Chapter - Student Veterans of America

Response by Andi Martinez made Nov 15 at 2021 1:33 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:33:06 -0500

Register now for one on one assistance with your claims and appeals status, and other Veterans Affairs, State and community services and benefits. Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center is December 7, 8, and 9th. https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/

Veterans Experience Office II

Response by 1SG Zelda Davis made Nov 15 at 2021 1:37 PM

1SG Zelda Davis — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:37:45 -0500

Good afternoon! My name is Zelda Davis with the VA Veteran Employment Program Office (VEPO) formerly known as the Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO). Our office assist Veterans, transitioning Service members and military spouses in finding employment opportunities in the VA/Federal government. Please visit the VA for Vets website at http://www.vaforvets.va.gov to review employment and training information to include additional resources to assist you in writing a Federal Resume, Understanding the Federal Hiring Process and Navigating USAJOBS. You can also visit VA Careers for additional employment and training information at http://www.vacareers.va.gov.

VA for Vets: Your Gateway To VA Careers

VA for Vets

Response by MSgt Joseph Voutour made Nov 15 at 2021 2:32 PM

MSgt Joseph Voutour — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:32:29 -0500

When will the Bingham VA Clinic reopen,,been closed since Covid started, Never received any notice from the VA, just told to go to the Rumford Clinic, which is a 96 mile trip for me,,,,I no longer trust the Maine VA Administrators, they dont care about the hardships they placed on over 300 veterans that use the Bingham Clinic, they tried to close it down a few years back and now trying again. Driving a 100 miles when you dont feel good is not right, as I pass by numerous civilian clinic's that could provide service, The bingham Health clinic is one mile from my house, but the VA wont let me go there. The program where the VA has contracts with health providers is of no help to me and so many others. Very Sad to know the Maine VA Administrators just say too bad,,,just travel long distance for health care,,,,

Response by Justin Monk made Nov 15 at 2021 2:37 PM

Justin Monk — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:37:28 -0500

Glad to be here for Student Veterans of America and alongside all of the incredible organizations that do such great work on behalf of veterans. I'm happy to answer any questions about veterans' education benefits and adjacent programs, and can also be reached at [login to see] .