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VeTALKX National Peer to Peer Q&A Chat! Ask Questions Now About Navigating VA & Community Services
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Join us on August 22nd, 1pm – 2 pm ET to participate in our National VeTALKX Q&A Chat on RallyPoint to gain access to Veteran peer support resources. Get connected to a Veteran peer to help you navigate VA and community services. Post your questions on how to get peer support!
(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)
You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.
Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.
Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.
This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.
VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.
The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.
(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)
You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.
Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.
Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.
This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.
VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.
The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Peers
Support
Benefits
Community
Responses: 19
Here's A Piece Of Info. Almost Unheard Of By Anyone,
But It IS Important That ALL We Vets Know.
~ After Several Years Of Trying To Find Information About Our Health Care,~
And Getting Nowhere..,
~~~ I Just Typed This Question Into My Search Engine & This Popped Up.~~
SAVE This To Your Permanent Files As Very FEW People, Even IN The VA
Seem To Know About This. ~ And You WILL Need Verified PROOF ~~ THIS Is IT~~
sent: 11/25/2023 9:52:08 PM Pacific Standard Time,
Subject: ~" Is A Military Veteran Entitled To Care And Supplies, Through ANY Va Facility,
Regardless Of Where He Resides?
`
And Here's Their Reply I Received:
"YES, a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there.
However, the veteran must be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll or be enrolled in VA health care
1. The eligibility for community care is dependent upon a veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances
1. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider
1. VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations
1. Please note that VA is not authorized to ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the U.S. or its territories
2. If you’re a veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality
3. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, VA will pay for certain needed health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a disability that’s making a service-connected condition worse 4.
I hope this helps"!
~
~~~ And As We VETS Can See, THIS Is The OPPOSITE Of What We've Been Told
There ARE No Restriction ~ About The Limited Amount Of Time ~ Having To Be A "Traveling VET" ~~
Only Until A Specific Period ~~ Etc.. ~~ NONE ~ We Vets Need Nothing More Than Our Doctors Approval ~~ ZERO Other Conditions Apply..
But It IS Important That ALL We Vets Know.
~ After Several Years Of Trying To Find Information About Our Health Care,~
And Getting Nowhere..,
~~~ I Just Typed This Question Into My Search Engine & This Popped Up.~~
SAVE This To Your Permanent Files As Very FEW People, Even IN The VA
Seem To Know About This. ~ And You WILL Need Verified PROOF ~~ THIS Is IT~~
sent: 11/25/2023 9:52:08 PM Pacific Standard Time,
Subject: ~" Is A Military Veteran Entitled To Care And Supplies, Through ANY Va Facility,
Regardless Of Where He Resides?
`
And Here's Their Reply I Received:
"YES, a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there.
However, the veteran must be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll or be enrolled in VA health care
1. The eligibility for community care is dependent upon a veteran’s individual health care needs or circumstances
1. In most cases, veterans must receive approval from VA prior to obtaining care from a community provider
1. VA staff members generally make all eligibility determinations
1. Please note that VA is not authorized to ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the U.S. or its territories
2. If you’re a veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality
3. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program. Through this program, VA will pay for certain needed health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability or a disability that’s making a service-connected condition worse 4.
I hope this helps"!
~
~~~ And As We VETS Can See, THIS Is The OPPOSITE Of What We've Been Told
There ARE No Restriction ~ About The Limited Amount Of Time ~ Having To Be A "Traveling VET" ~~
Only Until A Specific Period ~~ Etc.. ~~ NONE ~ We Vets Need Nothing More Than Our Doctors Approval ~~ ZERO Other Conditions Apply..
With little time left on this chat, I'd like to share two personal testimonies that veterans have shared with our organization to demonstrate the incredible work our Avalon Action Alliance organizations are accomplishing for our Veteran and First Responder communities. We are here to help! If you don't reach out to our organization, then reach out to any of the other incredible resources in this chat! Here is the second testimony:
Randy
U.S. Army Veteran
UNC Thrive Program
After nearly 40 years of military service and contract work, Randy found himself sitting in his recliner, thinking another 20 years of feeling disconnected and lost was not appealing.
It was his daughter who helped him see that things could be different. As a veteran herself, she was struggling with invisible wounds and decided to do something about it. A few months earlier, she graduated from the UNC Thrive program, and he saw the change.
It was his turn to go. In Randy’s own words: For the first time in a long time, I found a group of people who truly cared about me getting better. The tests the team at THRIVE recommended revealed much physical damage that had gone undiagnosed, and the pain reduction exercises they put me through provided immediate relief. They also forced me to acknowledge the mental wounds I’d tamped down to retain my military clearance and to survive the last few years leading up to my retirement.
I uncovered that I wasn't suicidal in the sense of a conclusive end, but when I was honest with myself, I realized I spent too much time trying to get killed.
At THRIVE, I found a team of people who cared about me. They don’t pass out pills, they taught me the tools I needed to look deep, deal with my issues, and continue to put the work in on my own. This program is long-lasting, real healing.
There wasn’t a day during my time with the THRIVE team that I didn’t feel welcome. My healing was their number one priority. It literally saved my life, and it may save yours.
Randy
U.S. Army Veteran
UNC Thrive Program
After nearly 40 years of military service and contract work, Randy found himself sitting in his recliner, thinking another 20 years of feeling disconnected and lost was not appealing.
It was his daughter who helped him see that things could be different. As a veteran herself, she was struggling with invisible wounds and decided to do something about it. A few months earlier, she graduated from the UNC Thrive program, and he saw the change.
It was his turn to go. In Randy’s own words: For the first time in a long time, I found a group of people who truly cared about me getting better. The tests the team at THRIVE recommended revealed much physical damage that had gone undiagnosed, and the pain reduction exercises they put me through provided immediate relief. They also forced me to acknowledge the mental wounds I’d tamped down to retain my military clearance and to survive the last few years leading up to my retirement.
I uncovered that I wasn't suicidal in the sense of a conclusive end, but when I was honest with myself, I realized I spent too much time trying to get killed.
At THRIVE, I found a team of people who cared about me. They don’t pass out pills, they taught me the tools I needed to look deep, deal with my issues, and continue to put the work in on my own. This program is long-lasting, real healing.
There wasn’t a day during my time with the THRIVE team that I didn’t feel welcome. My healing was their number one priority. It literally saved my life, and it may save yours.
Thanks to all who served and your families. Vets4Warriors peers are available 24/7 [login to see] and can assist you in connecting to organizations, many which joined her today. Be well.
Learn more about the PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit: https://news.va.gov/129251/pact-act-2024-health-care-eligibility-toolkit/
The PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit - VA News
VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA’s expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans.
I'm an OIF combat arms Army veteran with a service connected and rare chronic skin condition that is not yet curable and impacts my daily life. Does your organization offer a way for me to find peers with similar conditions? Just talking to someone dealing with this or something like this and sharing /hearing how we manage the symptoms would be hugely helpful. Additionally, my doctors say they need to find more patients to help understand my condition for genetic testing to isolate its exact cause to hopefully find a cure. Any advice you can provide on finding these "rare peers" would be much appreciated.
MSG Samuel Rodriguez
Hello, not knowing if you've reached out to them already, but one thought is to try to contact the Center for Disease Control or the CDC. They may have other resources not commonly available for testing that can diagnose your condition. Here is the web link. https://www.cdc.gov/
Melissa Comeau
Thank you so much for asking this question. It can be hard to find "rare peers" If you are looking for a group focused on a specific condition you might try the Rare Diseases Patient Organizations. You may find other Veterans in these groups as well. I hope you are able to connect with someone who shares a similiar lived experience. https://rarediseases.org/patient-organizations/
Patient Organizations Archive - National Organization for Rare Disorders
Patient Organizations Archive - National Organization for Rare Disorders
My wife served 16 years in the Navy at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. She received an Honorable Discharge. She said she can no longer get onto the base. Is there any way she can get access to the base just to visit the stores or get some gas?
Sgt (Join to see)
If this website does not provide the information that you are looking for, I would call the Visitor Control Center and ask about base access.
https://www.jba.af.mil/Resources/Visitor-Control-Center/
https://www.jba.af.mil/Resources/Visitor-Control-Center/
The Visitor Control Center controls entry to Joint Base Andrews by identity proofing, vetting to determine the level of character and conduct determined necessary for the basis of access control decisions for individuals requesting and/or requiring access to installations, and issuance of access credentials.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
James Hodge Thank you for your question! A couple steps to apply for a DoD Identification Card: You’ll need to fill out an Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment (DD Form 1172-2). Link: https://www.cac.mil/Portals/53/Documents/dd1172-2.pdf And then Then turn in your completed application to a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office for processing. Link: https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/Getting-Your-ID-Card/
With little time left on this chat, I'd like to share two personal testimonies that veterans have shared with our organization to demonstrate the incredible work our Avalon Action Alliance organizations are accomplishing for our Veteran and First Responder communities. We are here to help! If you don't reach out to our organization, then reach out to any of the other incredible resources in this chat! Here is the first testimony:
MaDonna U.S. Army Navy Veteran, Boulder Crest Warrior PATHH
“Your will to live has to be stronger than anything that’s ever happened to you.”
MaDonna joined the US Navy right after high school, serving on active duty for six years and for the next 17 years serving as a police officer in her hometown of Macon, GA.
She has known trauma her entire life. The first was when she was 6, and then again at 12 when she experienced incidents of sexual trauma. When the same type of trauma happened while serving in the military, she learned not to trust herself, and because it was from a superior-ranking enlisted member, she learned not to trust the military. It’s impacted every relationship she’s had, including the one with her children.
“My older two, I had them younger, and I was going through the motions. They were more like my little roommates than a parental/child relationship. I protected, I provided, but I was emotionally dead. The younger two got more, but I still wasn’t emotionally available like a mother should be. I decided that I’ve got to let them know I’m human. That was my turning point.”
And that turning point led her to Warrior PATHH (WP). She knew she couldn’t make any more excuses. She was ready to live and not just exist. The MaDonna that showed up to WP carried a lot with her, uncertain if she was going to unpack her bags or take them back home. She chose to show up.
"My experience is one that is almost indescribable with words. The difference for me from any other therapy was the moment the guides, who are also veterans and first responders, told their stories first. They came clean first. They emptied first. And that for me was pivotal from any other thing I’ve tried because I said ‘they understand. They are going to hear me, see me, feel me. They are going to truly get what I’m saying because they have experienced trauma."
She is now free. Free to tell her story without shame. The advice she would give to any veteran or first responder, especially women, is this… “Just move. Even if you go and say, I’m not going to say a word - whatever your reason is - GO. If you want to truly live and not just exist and lay down your baggage, exhale, release, open your hand – GO. Complete your mission of you.”
MaDonna U.S. Army Navy Veteran, Boulder Crest Warrior PATHH
“Your will to live has to be stronger than anything that’s ever happened to you.”
MaDonna joined the US Navy right after high school, serving on active duty for six years and for the next 17 years serving as a police officer in her hometown of Macon, GA.
She has known trauma her entire life. The first was when she was 6, and then again at 12 when she experienced incidents of sexual trauma. When the same type of trauma happened while serving in the military, she learned not to trust herself, and because it was from a superior-ranking enlisted member, she learned not to trust the military. It’s impacted every relationship she’s had, including the one with her children.
“My older two, I had them younger, and I was going through the motions. They were more like my little roommates than a parental/child relationship. I protected, I provided, but I was emotionally dead. The younger two got more, but I still wasn’t emotionally available like a mother should be. I decided that I’ve got to let them know I’m human. That was my turning point.”
And that turning point led her to Warrior PATHH (WP). She knew she couldn’t make any more excuses. She was ready to live and not just exist. The MaDonna that showed up to WP carried a lot with her, uncertain if she was going to unpack her bags or take them back home. She chose to show up.
"My experience is one that is almost indescribable with words. The difference for me from any other therapy was the moment the guides, who are also veterans and first responders, told their stories first. They came clean first. They emptied first. And that for me was pivotal from any other thing I’ve tried because I said ‘they understand. They are going to hear me, see me, feel me. They are going to truly get what I’m saying because they have experienced trauma."
She is now free. Free to tell her story without shame. The advice she would give to any veteran or first responder, especially women, is this… “Just move. Even if you go and say, I’m not going to say a word - whatever your reason is - GO. If you want to truly live and not just exist and lay down your baggage, exhale, release, open your hand – GO. Complete your mission of you.”
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Thank you CN Leorard McDowell for the question! Please visit and check out this website for all the information on getting your flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine: https://www.va.gov/initiatives/covid-flu/
Question, I was recently awarded my 100% Disability. I need to understand what my Wife of 53 yrs, is eligible for in the event of my death.
I feel we need to know the answer to this question.
Thank you and I look forward in getting this question answered.
I feel we need to know the answer to this question.
Thank you and I look forward in getting this question answered.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Thank you SPC Joe Patterson for your question and also thank you for your service. You may find out more information on Survivor and Dependent Compensation (DIC) directly at this website. https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
About VA DIC for spouses, dependents, and parents | Veterans Affairs
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your question and your service, SPC Patterson. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a number of benefits to eligible surviving spouses and children. For example, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who passed from a service connected illness or injury, or eligible survivors of veterans whose death resulted from a service related injury or disease. The Survivors Pension benefit, which may also be referred to as Death Pension, is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, unremarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried child(ren) of a deceased veteran with wartime service. Accrued Benefits are benefits that are due, but not paid prior to a veteran’s passing. You can find more information on the VA website at https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/. While it can be challenging to think about survivor's benefits and preparing for the passing of our loved ones, know that regardless of the preparation or planning, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is here 24/7 at [login to see] to provide support and comfort to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Our Casework Advocates provide support in navigating survivor benefits by leveraging partnerships with agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. With gratitude and care.
VA benefits for family and caregivers | Veterans Affairs
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, including health care, life insurance, or money for school. As the survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation. If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. Find out...
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Thanks, But That's EXACTLY What I Was Trying To Point Out...
There Are NO Restrictions, What-so-ever,. ZERO;
As Noted In The Part Which Begins With: ..... "And Here's The Reply I Received":
~~"YES, a military veteran can receive medical products from out-of-state VA facilities, even if they are not living there".~~
~ PERIOD ~ (No Exceptions Are Mentioned, Because There Are None.).....
To Confirm, Contact The VA Facility, As I Did, In DAYTON, OHIO. ~~ It Took Me Over 30 Years To Discover This, And "WHY" I'm Letting As Many Of Others Vets Know As Possible..
The Problem Seems To Be, That Even Many Of The VA's DO NOT Know This, And The Only Information They Have Is "What They've Heard". SO They're NOT Necessarily Lying To ANYONE, They Simply Don't Have The Proper Information...
Note At The 5th Line From The Bottom Of The Statement, 2nd Sentence:
~~ "Most VA benefits are payable regardless of your place of residence or nationality. "~~
~
I'd Strongly Recommend It Be Copied & Pasted To Every Vets Computer Files, Because When They Try Using This Benefit, WITHOUT Documentation ~~ They'll Get SCREWED ~ GUARANTEED, 100% ~~ I Only Know Because I've Already "Been There Done That" With Our VA Here In Vegas.. .It Was Almost A Damned Combat Zone. I Had To Fight And Argue Like All Hell Even WITH The Documentation; Because They STILL Wouldn't Believe What I'd Shown Them In Print, From One Of Their Own VA Offices.
She's been doing this for over 30 years while fighting for my claims. She was voluntold that she was the new Family Support Group Coordinator just months before Desert Storm. The 5th Army Commander (I don’t remember his name) took her under his wing and gave her his number with instructions to call any time she needed him, or if she was getting any kickback. Back then, she was a 24 year old fireball that didn’t take no for an answer. All these years later, she hasn’t changed a bit.
YES, Unfortunately I Have Found Out; Through About 25 - 30 Years Of VA Medical Screw-Ups, Wrong Diagnosis Follow By REALLY Wrong Psyche Medication, (WA-HA Whoopee, A Full Blown Case Of Fa-King Insanity) I Was Also Give Even A FREE Couple Days Short Of The Month Of December Relaxing In The Hospital ~ And That Was "Just For Fun". (;-)>!
Currently I Have The Washington VA, And The Inspector Generals Office Still Working On A Case Which Began Over 2 Years Ago; But That's AFTER I Contacted Everyone From The Biden Administration, Our 2 State Senators, Our State Governor's Office, And Our State Congressman;~ But Other Than That, Things Have Been Running Rather Smoothly.(LMAO) ~ So Ya, I Kinda DO Have Some Experience With Our VA..... May The Gods Love And Bless Their Little Hearts ~~ "Sumbetches"
See That List Above?.... Add "The Inspector General's Office" To That List.
And I "AIN'T" Done Yet !