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

2021-09-16T10:28:53-04:00

On October 7th, 1-2 PM 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!

» BG Mike Eastman - Advisor, ETS Sponsorship
» 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
» Jeanette Gilles - Deputy Director of Community Integration, Americas Warrior Partnership
» Capt Ryan Engle - Partnership Coordinator, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
» Justin Monk - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» Mike Wilson - Region 8, Veterans Community Action Team (VCAT)
» Lamont Solomon - Assistant Coach, Public Contact Supervisor, VBA
» Patricia Sweeney - National Director, Peer Support Services, VA Central Office, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
» Jessica Wheeler - Regional Director, Service to the Armed Forces & International Services, Michigan Region

American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces:
The American Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service, worldwide – for life. Our Hero Care Network provides 24/7 connection to emergency communication and critical community services; care and comfort in veteran and military health care facilities; and family resiliency training.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency:
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy, and service to veterans and their families.
MVAA - MVAA (michigan.gov)
800-MICH-VET

Veterans Community Action Teams (VCATs):
VCAT membership is comprised of federal, state, local and faith-based organizations that support veterans in the communities where they live and work. VCATs focus on identifying solutions for gaps in veteran services, reducing duplication of efforts and simplifying connections with local resources. This community-based system of care allows networks of service providers to employ best practices, share information and tools and connect more quickly with veterans. The Southwest Michigan Region 8 Veteran Community Action Team is a holistic approach to the community veteran systems of care. The SWMR8VCAT is a stand-alone organization that collaborates support and services for veterans through an integrated network of individuals, organizations and agencies in the 7-county region of Southwest Michigan, and the State of Michigan overall.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Sep 16 at 2021 2:06 PM

2021-09-16T14:06:56-04:00

I hope if they ever have one of these for Tennessee it is not between 1 - 2 PM on a school day so I can participate.

Response by CW4 Neil McCormick made Sep 25 at 2021 2:40 PM

2021-09-25T14:40:26-04:00

I'm thinking about applying for VA disability based on physical issues associated with Vietnam service. I've been told to use a non-VA "advocate" to help create the application, provide assistance and support - is that recommended? If so, where can I find an advocate in the SW Michigan area?

Response by SPC Sean House made Sep 26 at 2021 1:28 AM

2021-09-26T01:28:29-04:00

I need help obtaining my Cert of Eligibility for purchasing a home.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Sep 30 at 2021 12:23 PM

2021-09-30T12:23:30-04:00

So grateful to Rally Point and the VA for hosting this event for Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors in Michigan. I am looking forward to participating.

Response by PFC Robert Therrien made Sep 30 at 2021 12:25 PM

2021-09-30T12:25:30-04:00

As a 90% service connected disabled veteran with 10% added for unworkability for a total of 100% disability by the VA. I applied for my wife to be paid as a caretaker or to have a caretaker. I was turned down. I was also turned down to have my home made handicapped accessible and was turned down by the VAon that too. I have 60% service connected disability on both legs Which are now in worse condition than hen I first received my disability determination. My wife now has to do most things for me as I can't do them for myself. The VA does not help veterans obtain benefits for available programs, it only rubber stamps claims with a NO. I used to have a caretaker,but with a stroke of a pen some NURSE at Alda E. Lutz VA Medical facility decided when she replaced the former VA employee That she would cut as many Veterans as possible, as soon as possible. I was cut even though I needed the care. That nurse didn't even bother to look at my medical records which at that time were about 2 1/2" thick. Now my medical records are so thick they cant be faxed to an outside doctor for my Michigan Medical Marijuana License. Now you people come out with this advertisement saying look what we can do for you. If what you are saying is true then Melanie Trmp changes my diapers.

Response by PFC Carlos Benitez made Oct 5 at 2021 2:54 AM

2021-10-05T02:54:23-04:00

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Response by BG Mike Eastman made Oct 6 at 2021 12:56 PM

2021-10-06T12:56:47-04:00

At ETS Sponsorship, we work to support Servicemembers from all branches in their transition out of uniform and into civilian life. Almost everyone going through this process has important questions about housing, jobs, schools, healthcare. Finding accurate information isn't always easy. We have found that the most effective way to get answers is to pair up with a sponsor from the community you are moving to. 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. Moving to Michigan after you ETS? Interested in becoming a sponsor for a Servicemember leaving active duty and returning to Michigan? Please check out our program at http://www.etssponsorship.com.

ETS Sponsorship Program

Response by SGT Joe Griffin made Oct 6 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-10-06T19:14:39-04:00

Hi, I'm currently a federal employee who used partially used my GI Bill for college. I've been told our training qualifies as "on the job training," and would like to use my benefits to cash it in as I'm approaching 10 years from separation. Is this an easy process? Would appreciate links to forms and holding my hand as much as possible!

Response by Coleton Whitaker made Oct 7 at 2021 11:58 AM

2021-10-07T11:58:12-04:00

Look forward to participating today on behalf of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF). EDF is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill or injured veterans. The Foundation’s programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels. These programs engage individuals, organizations, and communities. Find out more at hiddenheroes.org.

Response by Staci H. made Oct 7 at 2021 12:52 PM

2021-10-07T12:52:12-04:00

Happy Thursday Michigan!!! Blue Star Families is always here to support!

Response by PFC Zaneta Adams, Director MVAA made Oct 7 at 2021 12:58 PM

2021-10-07T12:58:24-04:00

I am grateful to all those participating and answering questions presented by Michigan veterans. Thank you for sharing your time and resources with our 567,000 plus state veterans.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 7 at 2021 1:13 PM

2021-10-07T13:13:17-04:00

Welcome to the Michigan Q&A! Type your questions for our experts!

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 7 at 2021 1:14 PM

2021-10-07T13:14:21-04:00

Not sure where to turn in VA? 1-800-MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Response by Justin Monk made Oct 7 at 2021 1:15 PM

2021-10-07T13:15:40-04:00

Glad to be here, and thankful that RallyPoint and VA have put this event together. Looking forward to answering any questions folks may have regarding VA education benefits or the Hill environment around it.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 7 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-10-07T13:16:11-04:00

You can also call our White House/VA hotline if you have a challenge or an issue with VA services: White House VA Hotline [login to see] (24/7 access to a live agent).

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide contact our Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] (Press 1) or send text to 838255.

Response by Andi Martinez made Oct 7 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-10-07T13:16:40-04:00

VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/
VA.gov makes it easy for Veterans to schedule an appointment, update contact info, file a claim, apply for healthcare and much more!

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.

Response by SPC Kate Hoit made Oct 7 at 2021 1:17 PM

2021-10-07T13:17:26-04:00

Just wanted to say hello! This is my first time participating in a VetXL event! Great to see so many folks here.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Oct 7 at 2021 1:19 PM

2021-10-07T13:19:02-04:00

Greetings to all Veterans, Families, Caregivers and Survivors in Michigan! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the caregiver to my combat wounded Marine husband. I am also the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. We are here to support family, friends, battle buddies and veteran caregivers as they care for our wounded, ill, injured and aging Service Members and Veterans. We support caregivers of all eras, all relationships, across all locations with best in practice peer support, education and training, resiliency workshops and a custom, secure online community that operates 24/7. 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 Melissa Comeau made Oct 7 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-10-07T13:21:00-04:00

Are you looking for local resources?? The Hero Care Resource Directory has at least 800 resources for every zip code in America. You can filter and search for your specific needs, needs for your family and so much more. Please visit https://herocare.auntbertha.com/

Hero Care Resource Directory

Find social services that serve your area, anywhere in the US

Response by Lamont Solomon made Oct 7 at 2021 1:22 PM

2021-10-07T13:22:18-04:00

Good Afternoon All,

Response by Capt Ryan Engle made Oct 7 at 2021 1:34 PM

2021-10-07T13:34:51-04:00

Many questions, legitimately and rightly so, are about a "need" at a point in time, life, etc. Those are of incredible importance. I also think for any veteran reading this, without a specific "need" at this juncture, a statement and commitment you should make to yourself is, "I will seek out the benefits I earned in service." You might be 22 now, with minor hearing loss and getting by just fine. Maybe you're 30 with a good job, some nightmares and difficulty sleeping, but you feel ok. Whatever the excuse is, I encourage each veteran to overcome it and seek out the benefits earned in service. This should include VA healthcare enrollment for eligible veterans - maybe you don't need it now, but maybe you will. This should include pursuing other benefits that you earned - maybe you don't "need" it now, and that's fine, but you may later. Doing so NOW is the right option.

Response by Jessica Wheeler made Oct 7 at 2021 1:51 PM

2021-10-07T13:51:53-04:00

Looking for ways to continue your service? Join the American Red Cross Hero Care Network.

The American Red Cross Hero Care Network provides emergency communications and critical services to military members, veterans and their families all over the world 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every eight minutes, volunteers help the American Red Cross bring help and hope to people in need. Join us and make a difference in your community.

https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/hero-care-network.html

Hero Care Network

Response by CSM Michael Wilson made Oct 7 at 2021 1:54 PM

2021-10-07T13:54:24-04:00

I'm here, and ready to support however I can! Thankful to Rally Point for this forum.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Oct 7 at 2021 1:56 PM

2021-10-07T13:56:25-04:00

Special Shout out to my colleague Jessica Wheeler for all the great work she does with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces in Michigan.

Response by SPC Kate Hoit made Oct 7 at 2021 1:57 PM

2021-10-07T13:57:28-04:00

Does anyone need additional VA assistance? On Tuesday, October 19th to Thursday, October 21st, from 10AM – 3PM ET/9AM – 2PM CT, join VA and community partners for one-on-one consultation and assistance with VA health care, claims, community resources, and other benefits. All Michigan Veterans, Service members, caregivers, and survivors we welcomed to attend! When registering you will have option to schedule the virtual appointment time/day, which best fits with your availability. Register here: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/ck3047g2/

Veterans Experience Office II

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2021 3:10 PM

2021-10-07T15:10:50-04:00

Reach out... what can it hurt?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2021 3:18 PM

2021-10-07T15:18:14-04:00

Reach out!

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 9 at 2021 12:06 PM

2021-10-09T12:06:49-04:00

Thank you!