Montana Veterans! Do You Have Benefits Questions? Need Peer Support? Ask Your Question Now!

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 08:54:56 -0400

On September 15th, 11AM MDT, 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
» SGT Lauren Augustine - VP of Government Affairs, Student Veterans of America
» 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
» PO1 Kate Stevens - Operations Associate, Team Rubicon
» 1LT Private RallyPoint Member - Suicide Prevention Coordinator, VA
» CMSgt Scott Robinson - Director of Military & Veteran Services, Easterseals
» MSG Jamie Kleppen - Veteran Service Representative, Fort Harrison Regional Office
» Montana Veterans Affairs Division - Bureau Chief, Montana Veterans Affairs Division
» Korey Schroeder - Senior Associate, Operations, Team Rubicon
» PO2 Shannon Noble - Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP), Job Service Missoula, Montana Department of Labor & Industry

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 30 at 2021 9:09 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:09:54 -0400

Korea and Vietnam, never Montana. Guess I was lucky

Response by Andi Martinez made Aug 31 at 2021 1:19 PM

Andi Martinez — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:19:08 -0400

How do I get peer support in MT?

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Sep 8 at 2021 4:16 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 16:16:59 -0400

Thank you!

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Sep 11 at 2021 6:15 AM

SFC Richard Williamson — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 06:15:36 -0400

I can tell you from the experience of living here for the past 12 years, the benefits for disabled vets in the State of Montana are the very best of any state I have lived in over the past 29 years. Mind you, I am not advocating that anyone move here, I'm just saying.

Response by PO1 Kate Stevens made Sep 13 at 2021 2:27 PM

PO1 Kate Stevens — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:27:14 -0400

Team Rubicon is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that utilizes the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Founded in 2010, Team Rubicon has deployed across the United States and around the world to provide immediate relief to those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises.

SERVICE above self is the driving force behind all of Team Rubicon’s operational activity. Our actions are characterized by the constant pursuit to prevent or alleviate human suffering and restore human dignity – we help people on their worst day.

Want to know more about how to get involved in serving? Ask your questions below, contact me at [login to see] or check out http://www.teamrubiconusa.org

Can't wait to chat with you all soon!

Team Rubicon | Built To Serve

Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service by helping people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises.

Response by PO2 John Havener made Sep 14 at 2021 3:05 PM

PO2 John Havener — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:05:47 -0400

I haven't asked my 1st question, yet. Where/how do I do that?

Response by MSgt Michael Breeden made Sep 14 at 2021 6:39 PM

MSgt Michael Breeden — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:39:47 -0400

Last May I had a VA appointment at Fort Harrison, Helena Mt. Still haven't received travel pay to date! About this time I was also trying to contact them if there was any rental assistance available after I lost my apartment because of an over 40% rent increase and I no longer met the 3 and 4 times the rent to meet minimum monthly income requirements on Social Security and retired pay! I kept calling Helena with no human contact and never even got a call in return back from my voice mails. Tried multiple phone numbers that went to voice mail and died there. Contacted Senator Tester for help and was put into email contact with one of his people. About this time I lost a bid on an affordable Condo because the VA was going to take 30 to 60 days to approve the purchase and the seller wasn't going to wait that long. I now am living with my sister and brother-in-law as any rentals are outrageously expensive and "For Sale" shack prices are running completely out of this world! I finally just gave up trying to contact Fort Harrison as it wasn't doing my health any good after I had a Cardiac Ablation to hopefully rid myself of severe chronic AFIB. My blood pressures were around 190/95 until I just gave up on the VA's lack of response. Now they're back in the safe normal range after giving up! After 68 years and serving my country for 22 years, I've lost my independence!

I suggest that all registered VA retires be provided with a published phone number listing to KNOW WHERE TO CALL and get a human response to questions and problems! Not playing voice mail roulette!!! And all with the expectation you'll be getting a response!! I'm sure their are many others experiencing the same things I have been dealing with!

Response by BG Mike Eastman made Sep 15 at 2021 11:27 AM

BG Mike Eastman — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 11:27:38 -0400

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 Montana? 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

Response by SGT Lauren Augustine made Sep 15 at 2021 11:56 AM

SGT Lauren Augustine — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 11:56:42 -0400

Student Veterans of America (SVA) elevates the academic, professional, and personal development of veterans in higher education through chapter programs and services, outcomes and impacts research, and advocacy at every level. With a mission focused on empowering student veterans, SVA is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Through a dedicated network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and three countries overseas representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA inspires yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of dedicated chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential.

Response by PO2 Shannon Noble made Sep 15 at 2021 12:18 PM

PO2 Shannon Noble — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 12:18:46 -0400

I’m the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) at the Job Service (Montana Department of Labor & Industry: montanaworks.gov) and the Outreach Specialist for the Veteran Support Network (VSN) – Missoula Region (access website from your desktop & click on "More" to see multiple pages of resources and contacts): https://www.vsnmontana.org/
*** We have MULTIPLE Peer Support Specialists all over Western Montana listed on the site, but if you have a specific need, please ASK. We're excited to answer ANY questions you have! Thank you for your service and sacrifices ~ You are SO appreciated!
*** Job Service offices with DVOP specialists across the state:
o Kalispell [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: Nick, [login to see] )
o Polson [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: Ian, [login to see] )
o Great Falls [login to see] , [login to see] (Full time DVOP: Danny, [login to see] )
o Helena [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: Justin, [login to see] )
o Billings (406) [login to see] , [login to see] (Full time DVOP: Dan, 655-6065, [login to see] )
o Bozeman [login to see] , [login to see] (Half time DVOP: Eric, [login to see] )
o Butte [login to see] , [login to see] (Full time DVOP / LVER: Eric, [login to see] )

Veteran Support Network (VSN) - Missoula Region

Resources, services, and events for Veterans, service members, and their families & caregivers in the Missoula Region

Response by Staci H. made Sep 15 at 2021 1:03 PM

Staci H. — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:03:45 -0400

Good Afternoon from Blue Star Families.
Founded in 2009 by military spouses with you in mind, we empower military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support.
Learn about Blue Star Welcome Week, our national effort to welcome all military connected families to new communities.
https://bluestarfam.org/welcome-week/

Welcome Week - Blue Star Families

It has been a long fight for military and Veteran families for the past 20 years, and we are still on duty. Military-connected families are in our communities and need…

Response by PO1 Kate Stevens made Sep 15 at 2021 1:06 PM

PO1 Kate Stevens — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:06:00 -0400

The Clay Hunt Fellows Program opens quarterly and equips the veteran with tools to redefine their purpose and identity out of uniform for a life of continued service. Fellows will complete a six-month Base Camp curriculum focused on emotional intelligence through strengths finders discovery, self-awareness exploration and personal assessments, focused cohort discussions, reading, and guided self-reflection assignments. Upon completion, Fellows will be equipped to better lead in their communities and within Team Rubicon.

For more information, check out: https://teamrubiconusa.org/clay-hunt-fellowship/

Clay Hunt Fellows Program | Team Rubicon | Team Rubicon

The Clay Hunt Fellows Program equips veterans with tools to redefine their purpose and identity out of uniform for continued service upon transition.

Response by Andi Martinez made Sep 15 at 2021 1:09 PM

Andi Martinez — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:09:15 -0400

Welcome to the Montana Q&A! Please share your questions with us!

Response by Andi Martinez made Sep 15 at 2021 1:09 PM

Andi Martinez — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:09:36 -0400

VA Resources:
VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
Subscribe to VA News! https://www.va.gov/vetresources/
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
VA.gov makes it easy for Veterans to schedule an appointment, update contact info, file a claim, apply for healthcare and much more!
VA Trust Publication Veteran Trust in VA | Veterans Affairs
VA COVID-19 Response: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/

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 SGT Lauren Augustine made Sep 15 at 2021 1:13 PM

SGT Lauren Augustine — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:13:58 -0400

Student Veterans of America has several great programs coming up:

The Leadership Institute is the premier student leadership experience that brings together our country’s top chapter leaders through an immersive experience designed to equip tomorrow’s leaders to serve and create a lasting community of impact. Applications are currently open: https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/leadership-institute/

We're also excited to be back in person for our National Conference. NatCon is the largest annual convening of student veterans in the world. The 14th Annual NatCon will be held January 6-8, 2022 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort near Orlando, Florida! You can learn more here: https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/national-conference/

The SVA Leadership Institute

This premier student leadership experience brings together our country's top chapter leaders through an immersive experience designed to equip tomorrow's leaders to serve and create a lasting community of impact.

Response by Melissa Comeau made Sep 15 at 2021 1:14 PM

Melissa Comeau — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:14:42 -0400

Greetings Montana Veterans, Families, Caregivers and Survivors!
My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) here at the American Red Cross. We appreciate the opportunity to connect on RallyPoint Shared Content with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to share about peer support available in the beautiful State of Montana. The Red Cross MVCN serves caregivers of all eras, all relationships, across all locations. Our caregivers are those caring for wounded, ill, injured and aging Veterans. We also support Veterans that are caregivers themselves.
We have 3 evidenced based, best practice, structured peer support programs including; caregiver peer mentors, caregiver peer support groups and a custom, secure, caregiver only online community. You can learn more and join us here https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html

I also want to highlight my friend and colleague in Montana Sara Cease who will be joining in the VetXL to answer any questions you may have.

THANK YOU for your service and we look forward to supporting you.

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 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2021 1:23 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:23:04 -0400

VA’s top clinical priority is preventing suicide among all Veterans https://www.va.gov/reach/spm/ — including those who do not, and may never, seek care within the VA health care system. As a Veteran or a caring member of the community, you can play a role in fulfilling this mission. There are many great things happening at the VA as well as with organizations in MT that can equip you with tools to get involved.

You can explore suicide prevention resources to build networks of support among community-based organizations, Veterans Service Organizations, health care providers, and other members of your community that strengthen protective factors for Veterans.
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/prevention/index.asp

If you are seeking answers following an attempted suicide or the loss of a loved one by suicide, please visit the Coping & Support page https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/coping-support/index.asp to find help as you navigate this process.

Peer Specialists (PSs) are VA employees in recovery from mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders who help other Veterans to successfully engage in mental health and substance use treatment. Currently MTVA has peer support in primary care, residential treatment programs, homeless programs, and continues to expand this important service. We also partner with organizations like https://www.veteransnavigation.org/ so Veterans can be connected with a like community in their community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KMRMdOy3NY

spm

Response by Korey Schroeder made Sep 15 at 2021 1:26 PM

Korey Schroeder — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:26:50 -0400

Hey there Montana! Lot's of volunteer opportunities going on across the nation including in Montana with Team Rubicon!

Team Rubicon not only responds to natural disasters, across the nation and state, but we do a variety of things from in person and remote trainings, local service projects, professional/personal development opportunities, fire and flood mitigation work, disaster preparedness, and the occasional social to build camaraderie with other like minded individuals. We all come from a variety of backgrounds with experience and welcome Military Veterans, First Responders, and as we like to call them our Kick-ass Civilians.

Below PO1 Kate Stevens posted some background information on Team Rubicon and more on our Clay Hunt Fellowship Program but again here is the website https://teamrubiconusa.org/.

If you have any additional questions or need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me at [login to see] or Kate at [login to see] .

Team Rubicon | Built To Serve

Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service by helping people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises.