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Michigan Veterans! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support? Ask Questions Now!
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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.
» 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.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Detroit
Grand Rapids
Warren
Responses: 28
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.
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.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you so much for being with us today with all of your amazing knowledge! We appreciate you!
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.
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!
Lamont Solomon
Good question. I hope that you find the following link helpful. https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/on-the-job-training-apprenticeships/
On-the-job training and apprenticeships | Veterans Affairs
Learn how GI Bill training programs can help you work in an industry like plumbing, firefighting, or hotel management that requires on-the-job training. If your program is approved by VA and you qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you could get money for books, supplies, and housing.
PFC Zaneta Adams, Director MVAA
You can also call our agency and we can connect you to the state resources designed to help veterans navigate the apprenticeship/on the job training process at 1800MICHVET.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you so much for all the ways you serve! I would reach out to the Veteran Affinity Groups to see if you can connect with an expert or someone that can guide you through the process. Check out https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/docs/em_affinity_groups.html
Affinity Groups for Veterans and Military Service Members
Toolkit Document Resources
SGT Joe Griffin
Thanks for all the resources. I was able to view my remaining benefits on eBenefits and the VA website had automation for the OJT.
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
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.
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.
Jeanette Gilles
These are vital resources with dedicated professional people focused on providing support, resources and guidance.
Melissa Comeau
Hello SPC Sean House The best place to access all VA letter is Ebenefits. You will need to set up the account but is a great tool for access to all you VA information. https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage
Andi Martinez
How to apply for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility | Veterans Affairs
Find out how to apply for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove to your lender that you qualify for a VA direct or VA-backed home loan based on your service history and duty status. Then, learn more about the rest of the loan application process.
CSM Michael Wilson
If you've chosen your financial institution, often they can do this for you. If you haven't there are some great opportunities out there both local and national supporting veterans in receiving their VA Home loan.
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?
Capt Ryan Engle
CW4, here's a link to find an accredited VSO near you, from county-employed, to state-employed, to service org-employed. I think it's wise to chat with other veterans on who has worked well for them, as the individual can be and likely will be a longterm resource and partner for you. https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/0,9878,7-414-108501---,00.html?page=1&limit=10&filterCategories=&searchQuery=
SOM - State of Michigan - Page Not Found
State of Michigan
Andi Martinez
Also to find an accredited VSO visit https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
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