VetXL: Minority Veterans Together. Ask questions now on services and benefits for Minority Veterans and Tribal Communities

2020-08-05T10:32:58-04:00

Join us live on August 13th from 3-4PM ET for a live Q&A focused on Minority Veterans on RallyPoint. You can ask questions to the VA Center for Minority Veterans, Tribal Relations, and State VA (NASDVA).

*RP Staff will be monitoring this Discussion. Please be advised that comments that don't adhere to our discussion conduct guidelines (https://rly.pt/RPguidelines) will be deleted.*

You can ask questions to the following people:
Col Dennis May, Deputy Director, Center for Minority Veterans
Stephanie Birdwell, Director, VA/OPIA, Office of Tribal Government Relations
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office, Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office, Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
State Department of Veterans Affairs Directors, Commissioners, and Representatives.

Center for Minority Veterans -
https://rly.pt/VAcmv
The Center for Minority Veterans was established by Public Law 103-446, in 1994. CMV serves as an advocate for minority Veterans by conducting outreach activities to promote the awareness and use of VA benefits and services. The center’s activities include:
- Promote the use of benefits authorized by this title by Veterans who are minorities and the conduct of outreach activities to Veterans who are minorities.
- Disseminate information and serve as a resource center for the exchange of information regarding innovative and successful programs which improve the services available to Veterans who are minorities.

The VA Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR) -
https://rly.pt/VAtribal
The Office of Tribal Government Relations was established in 2011 within the VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. The OTGR team assists the VA secretary and designated senior VA leadership with implementing the VA tribal consultation policy as part of the government to government relationship that exists between the United States and 574 federally recognized tribal governments. VA works to cultivate trusting, collaborative working relationships with tribal leaders in order to develop informed, culturally relevant policies and programs that will effectively serve Veterans living in Indian country.

Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.

State Department of Veterans Affairs -
https://rly.pt/StateDVA
In the aftermath of World War II many Veterans earned state and federal benefits which required coordinated efforts to assure that veterans received these entitlements. Thus, states developed a department or agency specifically to manage Veterans affairs and carry out the responsibility for Veteran services and programs.

RallyPoint Support Center

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Aug 5 at 2020 4:30 PM

2020-08-05T16:30:11-04:00

Thank you for the information!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 5:23 PM

2020-08-05T17:23:47-04:00

Thanks for sharing!

Response by PO2 Douglas Branham made Aug 5 at 2020 7:30 PM

2020-08-05T19:30:00-04:00

I am a member of the Monacan Indian Nation. How are the benefits for minorities different from non minorities?

Response by 1stSgt Tom B made Aug 5 at 2020 7:48 PM

2020-08-05T19:48:21-04:00

We all fight together and yet somehow some require more attention. Sick.

Response by SSgt Tina Wansley Seals made Aug 5 at 2020 7:57 PM

2020-08-05T19:57:02-04:00

I want to know why it takes so long to get approved for benefits?

Response by LCDR Herndon McMillan made Aug 5 at 2020 7:58 PM

2020-08-05T19:58:02-04:00

Good afternoon. My question is: I am rated with 80% VA disabled. Can my spouse be considered my Caregiver; and if so, what must I do to apply for this? Thank you. Herndon ‘Mac’ McMillan

Response by LCpl Ramses Dizon made Aug 5 at 2020 8:17 PM

2020-08-05T20:17:55-04:00

How can I receive copy of my medical records during my time in the corps?

Response by SSgt Reuben Gonzalez made Aug 5 at 2020 8:46 PM

2020-08-05T20:46:55-04:00

Why is it that I was found unemployable but only got a90%rating? How can I get 100%

Response by SGT Teresa Taylor made Aug 5 at 2020 9:42 PM

2020-08-05T21:42:29-04:00

Why are females sent to male general practitioners to determine their service connection for female problems? They are not specialist in GYN/OB problems, yet we are sent to them to conduct exams. We are constantly denied service connections for things we know are affecting our lives and these problems did not exist prior to enlisting and serving in the military. These people making these decision for service connections are they a medical professional or an administrative personnel?

Response by SSgt Richard Jordan made Aug 5 at 2020 9:48 PM

2020-08-05T21:48:50-04:00

I have been unemployed since January, Covid-19 has made it that much harder, can any anyone tell me if there are benefits and job placement for combat minority veterans?

Response by SPC Ken Swierad made Aug 5 at 2020 9:55 PM

2020-08-05T21:55:09-04:00

I am 100 percent disabled and wonder when I die what monetary amount she would be eligible for??

Response by SSG Harold Buzis made Aug 5 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-08-05T22:00:10-04:00

Vietnam Era veteran, 8 yrs, SCD: 30% with spouse as eligible dependent: Question : Will my spouse be eligible for veterans care thru the Veterans Administration for dependent's on my passing away (death)?

Response by SPC John T` Harkins made Aug 5 at 2020 10:40 PM

2020-08-05T22:40:48-04:00

I am trying to get a military ID card

Response by SN Harold Johnson made Aug 5 at 2020 10:43 PM

2020-08-05T22:43:50-04:00

I can’t get VA benefits and I was exposed to agent orange when a chopper crashed and I have heart trouble now damn black or

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 11:01 PM

2020-08-05T23:01:17-04:00

my name is Chase Anthony Williams but I am 10% native american does this qualify me for joining the Tribe of Cherokee Nation? I have heard family stories that we are native american but that we never had proof.

Response by SSgt 70270 Administration specialist 123 made Aug 6 at 2020 1:15 AM

2020-08-06T01:15:58-04:00

What is the organizational question?

Response by MAJ David Stokes made Aug 6 at 2020 8:31 AM

2020-08-06T08:31:40-04:00

I want to know why there are racist and discrimination benefits being giving by the VA. A VET IS A VET. Are you telling me that because of the color of my skin my life is not as important as another person’s? I did not go through the same thing as the person to my right or left? I was not being fired apon like a black or Indian? When I apply for VA benefits you are telling me that because the color of my skin I am being JUDGED? I AM BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF MY RACE? What do I have that gives me more than any other person? Please tell me, EXACTLY what are these benefits. VA and this organization are in direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. I’ve added the definition of two dictionaries Oxford and Merriam-Webster to “refresh your memory” on Discrimination.

THIS IS IN YOUR FACE DISCRIMINATION!!!

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e and following) prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin (including membership in a Native American tribe). It also prohibits employers from retaliating against an applicant or employee who asserts his or her rights under the law. Title VII prohibits discrimination in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including hiring, firing, compensation, benefits, job assignments, promotions, and discipline. Title VII also prohibits practices that seem neutral but have a disproportionate impact on a protected group of people. Such a practice is legal only if the employer has a valid reason for using it. For example, a strength requirement might be legal—even though it excludes disproportionate numbers of women—if an employer is using it to fill a job that requires heavy lifting. Such a requirement would not be valid for a desk job, however.
Title VII applies to employers that fit into the following categories:
• private employers with at least 15 employees
• state governments and their political subdivisions and agencies
• the federal government
• employment agencies
• labor organizations, and
• joint labor-management committees and other training programs.

THIS IS IN YOUR FACE DISCRIMINATION!!!

From the Oxford Dictionary
NOUN
discrimination (noun) · discriminations (plural noun)
the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
"victims of racial discrimination" · "there is widespread discrimination against women"
synonyms:
prejudice · bias · bigotry · intolerance · narrow-mindedness · unfairness · inequity · favoritism · one-sidedness · partisanship · sexism · chauvinism · racism · racialism · anti-Semitism · heterosexism · ageism · classism · ableism · apartheid

THIS IS IN YOUR FACE DISCRIMINATION!!!

Merriam-Webster
Definition of discrimination
1a: prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment
racial discrimination
b: the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually
2: the quality or power of finely distinguishing
the film viewed by those with discrimination
3a: the act of making or perceiving a difference : the act of discriminating
a bloodhound's scent discrimination
bpsychology : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently

THIS IS IN YOUR FACE DISCRIMINATION!!!

Response by MSG Edward Dagel made Aug 6 at 2020 8:54 AM

2020-08-06T08:54:16-04:00

MSG Ed Dagel
Really?
Minority Veterans and Tribal Relations?
What happened to VETERANS? We are all the same in this Military. It's a shame that the outside world is segregating but now it's being pushed in the VA?
We are ALL brothers and sisters in arms and no segregation!

Response by MSG Tim Walden made Aug 6 at 2020 9:09 AM

2020-08-06T09:09:16-04:00

Why in the world is there separate programs for minority veterans? We should all be treated the same. Stop the silliness, this is getting ridiculous...

Response by MAJ David Stokes made Aug 6 at 2020 9:32 AM

2020-08-06T09:32:16-04:00

LOL EVEN RALLY POINT IS DICRIMINATORY! You can't disagree with anyone, you have to EARN THE RIGHT. WTF
"Sorry, you must have an Influence Score of at least 15000 to vote down. Please build up your profile so people know more about you."

Response by Amn Lexie Diggs-Davis made Aug 6 at 2020 11:35 AM

2020-08-06T11:35:08-04:00

My question is why don’t bets who served honorably minority or otherwise have access to good dental care? This is a great blight against the VA an insult to vets who need that care and a disgrace that we have no access to it, is this issue at least being addressed?

Response by PFC Bart Smith made Aug 6 at 2020 2:47 PM

2020-08-06T14:47:27-04:00

what the hell?? I'm just as important as they are

Response by PFC Bart Smith made Aug 6 at 2020 2:55 PM

2020-08-06T14:55:15-04:00

I have By-polar with Personality disorders and I only get 70% I find out much later from other Vets that it should have 100%. but now its to late to do any thing?

Response by SP5 Vaneshia Dixon made Aug 6 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-08-06T16:33:22-04:00

I’m have ptsd and TBI anxiety insomnia back pain shoulder pain I’m 90 percent but 100 because of unemployable but no contact me since 2012 but nothing change getting worst. But how to get p&t. No one care to listen to me and all my problems. I was on the caregiver program then after 5 years they disconnected me with no change of quality of life I need help plz

Response by MAJ David Stokes made Aug 6 at 2020 6:46 PM

2020-08-06T18:46:17-04:00

Has anyone notice that NOT ONE of the people list above has replied to a single response? WE THE PEOPLE ARE WAIT TO HEAR FROM:
You can ask questions to the following people:
Col Dennis May, Deputy Director, Center for Minority Veterans
Stephanie Birdwell, Director, VA/OPIA, Office of Tribal Government Relations
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office, Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office, Veterans, Family and Community

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 6:59 PM

2020-08-06T18:59:24-04:00

"*Minority Veterans, Tribal Relations*" - so even in the military our fellow brother/sisters in arms are considered minorities and of tribal descent?? I was always under the impression, until seeing this now, that we were all equal!! Guess not....

Response by SGM Robin Kilcoyne made Aug 6 at 2020 8:01 PM

2020-08-06T20:01:28-04:00

I don't see a link to sign up for this event.

Response by GySgt Walter Jones made Aug 6 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-08-06T21:04:22-04:00

Why is this for minority and INDIANS, WE ALL SWORE THE SAME OATH, FOUGHT TOGETHER, LIVED AND DIED TOGETHER, So why isn't this for ALL............GySgt Walt JONES, retired USMC

Response by PFC Bart Smith made Aug 7 at 2020 12:07 AM

2020-08-07T00:07:14-04:00

I have By-polar with Personality disorders and I only get 70%? what can I do to change this? I found out much later that I should be getting more for a mental health problems

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Aug 7 at 2020 7:36 AM

2020-08-07T07:36:41-04:00

I wonder if God ever bows his head in shame, and asks himself "What have I done?!"

Response by Wayne Soares made Aug 7 at 2020 8:43 AM

2020-08-07T08:43:47-04:00

Great share

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Aug 7 at 2020 10:18 AM

2020-08-07T10:18:57-04:00

To COL Dennis May, I am a minority, I am retired 100% DVA why I wasn’t notified about these benefits?

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Aug 7 at 2020 10:48 AM

2020-08-07T10:48:50-04:00

To MCPO Eric Faulkner, I live in Germany..Why do we get less care on Military Post?
Why or why happen to dental care? I pass by the dental clinic on post and there were no car out front or no where else. I would think by the dental clinic open they the doctor and staff could keep of training by giving the retirees appointments. I stop going because I was refuse service after I had an appointment..believe it or not there was 2 Soldiers sitting in the lobby.

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Aug 7 at 2020 11:35 AM

2020-08-07T11:35:18-04:00

To COL Dennis May, why is so many forms to fill out to support a medical claim when a soldier’s medical records and DD 214 is on file @VA?
Why do Soldiers need to seek outside advice to help with a medical issue If you and all other VA head, Staff and supports is there to help the Vets?
If I am not mistaken..I read that VA have benefits programs per Vet, how can he or she use these programs if he or she get denied for compensation for there medical issues received doing there military service.

Response by Cpl Shabazz Chelley made Aug 7 at 2020 5:39 PM

2020-08-07T17:39:51-04:00

Is their a link to Live event for Minority Veterans?

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Aug 8 at 2020 7:27 AM

2020-08-08T07:27:33-04:00

Question to LTC Tony Davis..
I live in Germany plus other Vets..I am 100% ( S C A ) Service-Connected Disable. Why at the Medical Faculties I cannot claim 100% only partial? Isn’t this discrimination?

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Aug 8 at 2020 7:53 AM

2020-08-08T07:53:44-04:00

My comment...I had a lot of trust in VA and the system (people) bad and some not so good, what there to be afraid of ie...losing or getting fired for not doing your job. I found out when one is in a key position he or she is there to do a job make sure we get what we was PROMISED when we raised our hand. Is that to much to ask for. I hear these words “Thank you for your service” have you heard it from anyone higher up (R, D, C or S that’s taking away what they was promised. August 13, 2020
question and answer Program how will it help us if there benefits we don’t know about.

Response by PV2 Michael Paleolog made Aug 9 at 2020 6:53 PM

2020-08-09T18:53:35-04:00

I was honorably discharged with medical reasons in 1962..I was so anxious to get home that i never followed up on that chance to get a small pension they were going to offer me. Unfortunately i never waited i was so upset and mentally sick, now i am old not too well and was wondering if there is anything i could do to see if i could qualify now for something, as like a lot of people, i am struggling to survive financially. I am sorry if this question is not appropriate at this time.
Respectfully,
Michael D. Paleolog.

Response by SSG Harold Buzis made Aug 9 at 2020 11:59 PM

2020-08-09T23:59:32-04:00

How do I see my 75 vote response?

Response by SPC Deon Holmes made Aug 10 at 2020 6:53 AM

2020-08-10T06:53:24-04:00

I know this will be taken out to left field and rub some the wrong way, but I would like to state that in this time of PC and undoing wrongs towards everyone, this label of "Minority" Veterans needs to go away. Are Asians "minorities? There are less of them as a percentage to the general population, yet they are never called "minorities". I won't participate in anything that labels me as something I don't agree with. Have fun "boys and girls".

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 11 at 2020 6:37 AM

2020-08-11T06:37:52-04:00

Identity politics now at play in the VA. It is disgusting. I am glad I have never received a penny of benefits from the VA. It is an organization failing Veterans and it is easy to see why. You all must be so proud of this new initiative.

I remember going to Parris Island and everyone going through the same drills, the same PT, same punishment, same training, same everything. We had drill instructors from just about every background imaginable as well as our instructors in different disciplines.

The Corps focused on making "green" Marines. Some were dark green, some light greet etc. We were all green, all equal, all Marines. We lived together, trained together, fought together and sometimes died together. This non stop attempt at subdividing Veterans into groups is the same thing that is wrong with our society today.

All veterans should be treated equally and fairly. Since I do not get a penny from the VA in benefits (and never have). I have no dog in this fight but as a Veteran it is disturbing to see the VA tailspin into identity politics.

Go ahead Admin, remove my mean comments. I am sure these comments will be just too offensive for some to take. Veterans used to have some depth and ability to handle words. These days Veterans must be protected from countervailing comments. It just isn't safe, too threatening.

Response by 1st Lt Mark Marshall made Aug 11 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-08-11T13:19:47-04:00

Thank you

Response by MSgt Eduardo Ramirez made Aug 11 at 2020 7:02 PM

2020-08-11T19:02:17-04:00

What is the percentage of minorities in the VA leadership roles Nationwide?

Response by Cpl Shabazz Chelley made Aug 12 at 2020 10:34 AM

2020-08-12T10:34:59-04:00

will this be on a call or a zoom cast?

Response by CMSgt Reginald Davis made Aug 12 at 2020 11:03 PM

2020-08-12T23:03:58-04:00

Is the percentage/breakdown of minority Vets involved in "Veterans Justice Outreach Programs" documented anywhere? As a volunteer in several of these programs, it is difficult to know if minorities are undeserved or not?

Response by Andi Martinez made Aug 13 at 2020 3:01 PM

2020-08-13T15:01:45-04:00

Thank you for sharing your comments and questions with us. We will try to get to all of your questions today. If you need to speak to a live agent right away, please call our White House VA hotline at [login to see] .

Department of Veterans Affairs

Response by Lt Col Lawrence Romo made Aug 13 at 2020 3:01 PM

2020-08-13T15:01:58-04:00

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the death of a Veteran's Veterans, Carlos Martinez, President and CEO of the American GI Forum - National Veterans Outreach Program. He was a Veteran and served Veterans for over 40 years enhancing the lives of thousands of Veterans through the years. May He Rest in Peace.

Sincerely,

Larry Romo
AGIF National Commander

Response by Col Dennis May made Aug 13 at 2020 3:28 PM

2020-08-13T15:28:06-04:00

If your disability has increased in severity, you can file a claim for an increase. It's advised that you provide current medical documentation

Response by Col Dennis May made Aug 13 at 2020 4:07 PM

2020-08-13T16:07:05-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated on this event today - and thanks to VA's Veteran Experience Office, Office of Tribal Government Relations and Rally Point for hosting! If we didn't get to your question or if you'd like to follow up, please contact the Center for Minority Veterans staff at: [login to see] and we'll get you the straight answers from VA EXPERTS!

Response by SGM Robin Kilcoyne made Aug 13 at 2020 6:09 PM

2020-08-13T18:09:47-04:00

I have been trying to join this event for over 15 minutes, now. How do I join?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2020 4:39 PM

2020-08-14T16:39:52-04:00

Great discussion. We welcome veterans in California to reach out to us at: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/minority-veterans
-Xochitl

minority-veterans

Response by SGT Joel Ken Harris Sr made Aug 16 at 2020 8:54 PM

2020-08-16T20:54:16-04:00

Siyo:
I am enrolled with the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. I am 77. I did a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1966-67. I was tdy with the 196th. Light Infantry. I mainly served my tour of duty south of Cu Chi to north of Tay Nhin province across from the 9th. North Vietnamese regular army and VC.
B-52s gave a middle rocking, Puff the magic dragon lite the nite up and the 175's put you to sleep in the monsoon rain. I went to nam at 190 and came at about 145. You do not get fat with C-rations.
We lost 600 in one encounter. We had 15,000 KIAs during my tour of duty in 1966-67.
I am the sole survivor from those who served with me in nam.

I am retired from the Department of Corrections as a psychologist with the state of Florida. I did 22 years in private practice as a psychotherapist.
Today I have a free license from the state of Florida to do Pro Bono critical need services with minorities and veterans.

I have a website cherokeeindiansofalabama Please visit. Please provide your comments and suggestions.

Wado

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Sep 14 at 2020 12:06 AM

2020-09-14T00:06:52-04:00

Today is September 16 curious why this is being posted since apparently it happened either last August or next August both of which seem to be strange dates to post something in September

Response by SN Orrin Donohoe made Oct 21 at 2021 2:00 PM

2021-10-21T14:00:43-04:00

What can I do to fined out if i'm being persecuted for my religious belief's
Orrin La Monte Donohoe, service #597 17 45, SS# 564 62 5777

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2022 1:02 PM

2022-12-07T13:02:09-05:00

Thanks for the info.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Dec 7 at 2022 1:37 PM

2022-12-07T13:37:19-05:00

Thanks for sharing this with the military community!

Response by Sgt Mark Durazo made May 11 at 2023 11:35 PM

2023-05-11T23:35:15-04:00

What benefits would my surviving spouse have after my passing?

Response by Sgt Mark Durazo made May 11 at 2023 11:36 PM

2023-05-11T23:36:12-04:00

How can I get my back disability reconsidered?