VetXL: Survivors Together – Live Q&A with VA and Community Partners. What are your questions?

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Thu, 06 May 2021 09:58:57 -0400

Join us live on May 20th at 2PM ET for a Q&A session in support of Memorial Day for Survivors and Caregivers and Mental Health Awareness.

You can ask questions to the following people:
» RDML Ann Duff - Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Delaney Heffner - Supervisor, VHA CHAMPVA
» SMSgt Thomas Paulus - Program Management Officer, VHA CHAMPVA
» Shauntye Alexander - Deputy Director, Office of Community Care
» Coleton Whitaker - Director of Programs, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Maj Bonnie Carroll - President & Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
» Nancy Menagh - President, Gold Star Wives of America
» LTC Jon Drake - VP Operations, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
» Kylie Willis - Enrollment Coordinator, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
» LTC Hugo Lentze - Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, Travis Manion Foundation
» Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network
» Pete Jeffries - National Engagements Director, AARP
» Leah Christensen - Clinical Program Coordinator, VA Caregiver Support Program
» Maj Lillie Mells - Program Coordinator, VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
» Detra Giles - Assistant Director, Outreach, Office of Transition and Economic Development
» Pamela Avey Stemple - National Service Officer, American Gold Star Mothers
» Joe Duran - Director Policy and Planning, VA
» Kristie Thibodeau - Outreach Specialist, CaringBridge
» Angell Bolden-Green - Chief, Outreach, Office of Transition and Economic Development
» 2LT Private RallyPoint Member - Engagement and Memorial Innovations, National Cemetery Administration

VA Office of Survivor Assistance:
The Office of Survivors Assistance serves as an expert resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the VA to Survivors and Dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. We can help you navigate the myriad of benefits and services available, and direct you to your best options. Additionally, we work closely with veteran service organizations, other departments, state and local veteran groups and community leaders to educate everyone about available services and benefits.

TAPS:
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 95,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been profoundly affected by a death of a military loved one. For more information go to taps.org or call the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277).

VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
The Caregiver Support Program promotes the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services. CSP is comprised of two programs, the Program of General Caregiver Support Services and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. For more information, please visit: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

American Gold Star Mothers:
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc was founded and incorporated in Washington, D.C. 92 years ago. We are a nonprofit membership organization of mothers whose children died while on active duty, died as a result of their service, or are missing in action. We have members in chapters around the country who keep alive the memory of their sons and daughters by helping veterans, active-duty military, and their families. As a service organization, we continue the service of our sons and daughters, who would have been veterans, by volunteering at VA Medical Centers in our local communities.

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation:
Our mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every child of a fallen patriot receives all necessary college funding. http://rly.pt/FallenPatriots

AARP:
AARP brings together free resources, timely programs, and important information to help Veterans & Military Families navigate their options on caregiving, fighting fraud, finding employment, and connecting with their earned service benefits at AARP.org/Veterans. With over 5 million AARP members nationwide who have served or are currently serving in America’s armed forces, AARP is on a mission to support Veterans and Military Families. Check our FREE resources, programs & timely information at: http://www.AARP.org/Veterans #AARPsalutesVets

Gold Star Wives of America:
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a Congressional Charter Organization of surviving spouses (male and female) of those who have died as a result of active duty or service connected causes. We provide (non monetary) assistance and support to survivors. Our members honor our spouses through our voluntary service to Active Duty, Veterans and Surviving Family members.

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.

American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network:
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (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. The mission of the MVCN is to provide our nation’s military and veteran caregivers of all eras with peer support to reduce isolation and increase connection, engagement, knowledge, skills and hope.

The MVCN helps caregivers of all eras and at all stages of caregiving by providing access to three peer support programs:
· Online Peer Support Community
· Peer Mentor Support Program
· Peer Support Groups (Online & Community-Based)
New Integrated Condolence Care Program - https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2020/red-cross-offers-virtual-care-for-families-who-have-lost-loved-o.html

CaringBridge:
CaringBridge provides a free, easy to use website to help Veterans & Military families communicate and coordinate support during a health event. Confronting an illness, injury or death is one of the most demanding, isolating things you can do. Family and friends are an amazing source of support, but constantly sharing updates with each and every one of them is difficult. CaringBridge replaces countless texts, phone calls and emails with a free, easy-to-use communications platform including:
· Journal to Share Updates and Receive Messages
· Easy-to-use Planner
· Ad-Free, Secure and Safe Platform
Learn more at CaringBridge.org/military

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 6 at 2021 7:03 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 06 May 2021 19:03:24 -0400

Wow! This is a serious commitment of organizations and the VA leadership. This is great to see the forum established for an important discussion.

Response by CPT David Gowel made May 7 at 2021 12:47 PM

CPT David Gowel — Fri, 07 May 2021 12:47:30 -0400

Thank you all for the important work you are doing for the families of those we have lost. Since Day 1 of becoming a survivor may very well be the worst day of your life, what are the first steps survivors should take (or that we can take on their behalf) to engage your organizations that don't require lengthy forms, red tape, etc. when a loved one is lost unexpectedly?

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made May 7 at 2021 10:30 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 07 May 2021 22:30:52 -0400

Great information! Thank you!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 10 at 2021 8:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 May 2021 20:56:40 -0400

This song makes me a little depressed. The lyrics go: I promise you will never be alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pYHvYXO-Y&list=PLGc4mbVb2i0pXYQQB2Lr0u9M2hH4weYwD&index=36

Moby - Blue Moon

Moby - Blue Moon (destroyed)See Full Album In Playlist "Moby"

Response by Sharri Boyett made May 12 at 2021 7:59 PM

Sharri Boyett — Wed, 12 May 2021 19:59:40 -0400

Glad to see support for the spouses included. 23 years ago there were no networks after my disabled veteran "passed away." So many times, I was given misinformation or declined benefits, all while grieving with a young baby to raise alone. Finally. Good work.

Response by Wayne Soares made May 13 at 2021 6:59 AM

Wayne Soares — Thu, 13 May 2021 06:59:25 -0400

Thanks for the info

Response by CPT Bob McDonald made May 14 at 2021 7:57 AM

CPT Bob McDonald — Fri, 14 May 2021 07:57:23 -0400

It is fantastic to see so many selfless leaders continuing your service to survivors, caregivers, and their families. How has the customer service experience changed within your organizations over the past years to make it easier for survivors to get the assistance they need despite the various challenges created by the pandemic?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 17 at 2021 1:19 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:19:11 -0400

Thanks to all the organizations and leaders who are joining us for this event. As we look back at the past year of challenges COVID created for caregivers, what are the greatest benefits or support areas that have been added for these important members of the military family?

Response by Andi Martinez made May 17 at 2021 1:20 PM

Andi Martinez — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:20:53 -0400

What is one great resource that caregivers and survivors must know about?

Response by ADM John Harvey made May 18 at 2021 8:19 AM

ADM John Harvey — Tue, 18 May 2021 08:19:08 -0400

I’m happy to see your programs continuing to support our survivors at the local, state, and federal levels. Especially given the challenges of the pandemic, we need these programs now more than ever. Are there any innovations in programming that you’ve come up with to make survivor assistance more accessible online for all those facing challenges in travelling to in person events/programs? Thanks very much, John Harvey, Adm USN (Ret)

Response by Andi Martinez made May 19 at 2021 10:23 AM

Andi Martinez — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:23:26 -0400

What was expanded with VA's caregiver support programs and the Mission Act?

Response by Andi Martinez made May 19 at 2021 10:24 AM

Andi Martinez — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:24:33 -0400

What is the Veterans Legacy Memorial?

Response by Andi Martinez made May 19 at 2021 10:32 AM

Andi Martinez — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:32:26 -0400

What is ChampVA?

Response by Andi Martinez made May 19 at 2021 7:03 PM

Andi Martinez — Wed, 19 May 2021 19:03:46 -0400

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Response by Cpl Jennifer Hart made May 19 at 2021 8:30 PM

Cpl Jennifer Hart — Wed, 19 May 2021 20:30:10 -0400

Happy to be apart of this discussion

Response by PVT Chase Carroll made May 20 at 2021 12:35 AM

PVT Chase Carroll — Thu, 20 May 2021 00:35:46 -0400

I don't entirely know if I can count as part of the big green family as I was medically discharged from BCT, but a buddy of mine didn't make it back and he was the one who inspired me to enlist. Its amazing to see resources like this being promoted to those who need it.

Response by Sue Mckay made May 20 at 2021 7:29 AM

Sue Mckay — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:29:54 -0400

As a survivor I am having a hard time moving on. My husband died from complications of ptsd and it was a horror show. i cannot get things out of my mind.

Response by SFC Walter Matkovich made May 20 at 2021 8:46 AM

SFC Walter Matkovich — Thu, 20 May 2021 08:46:07 -0400

How do we joint the conversation? I don't see a link to the call/zoom or is this just via web?

Response by SGT Lee Cady made May 20 at 2021 11:33 AM

SGT Lee Cady — Thu, 20 May 2021 11:33:54 -0400

i live alone -need bathroom on ground floor of house and new roof --any grants ect---low income

Response by Sgt James Hammond made May 20 at 2021 12:56 PM

Sgt James Hammond — Thu, 20 May 2021 12:56:28 -0400

I was married in February of 2020, my wife is from the Philippines and We haven't got her green card yet!!! Shes my caregiver an helps me with everything but I am not allowed put her on my DISABILITY check what can I do to expedite this situation!!! It feels very unfair, meanwhile illegals are getting all kinds of help from every direction!!! Please help me get thru this, thank you in advance!!!

Response by Cheryl Schneider made May 20 at 2021 1:01 PM

Cheryl Schneider — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:01:45 -0400

How can I get all issues of compensation settled, the Judge ordered back on July 10,2017? My hero died back in 2011 but these issues have been going on since 2006.

Response by Cheryl Schneider made May 20 at 2021 1:32 PM

Cheryl Schneider — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:32:30 -0400

Why doesn't CHAMPVA pay for CGM anymore? Now it's an extra $100.00 every 2 months.

Response by CSM Alfie (Lourdes) Alvarado Ramos made May 20 at 2021 2:00 PM

CSM Alfie (Lourdes) Alvarado Ramos — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:00:03 -0400

Really looking forward to what is going to be an amazing session. Thank you Rally Point for hosting.

Response by CSM Alfie (Lourdes) Alvarado Ramos made May 20 at 2021 2:08 PM

CSM Alfie (Lourdes) Alvarado Ramos — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:08:51 -0400

For ADM Duff, how is your office interacting with State Departments of Veterans Affairs? This is an often underutilized resource that has the finger on the pulse of the Veterans and Survivor Community. Would be advantageous to both partners to further collaborate.

Response by Melissa Comeau made May 20 at 2021 2:29 PM

Melissa Comeau — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:29:07 -0400

So grateful for the opportunity to learn and share with you all. Thank you to the VA and Rally Point for putting this event together.

Response by Kylie Willis made May 20 at 2021 2:41 PM

Kylie Willis — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:41:14 -0400

Honored to be a part of this event as the Enrollment Coordinator at Children of Fallen Patriots - and as the Gold Star daughter of SSG Kirk Owen (pictured above). Grateful to all of the organizations and individuals participating today that continue to work to improve the quality of life of surviving families like mine! ❤

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2021 2:47 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:47:09 -0400

In the coming days please check out the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) l https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ The site is currently being updated to integrate some new features but these will be ready next week. VLM is the official online tribute site of the U.S. Government where loved ones may leave tributes to Veterans in perpetuity.

VLM

The site is currently down for system upgrading. Please check back next week for a re-designed site with more interactive features in time for Memorial Day.

Response by Andi Martinez made May 20 at 2021 3:43 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:43:34 -0400

Thank you everyone for joining us today! If you have questions on your VA services or benefits, please call our White House VA Hotline to share your challenges or concerns and an agent will assist you. Dial [login to see] . 24/7 VA call line!

Response by Andi Martinez made May 20 at 2021 3:45 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:45:02 -0400

If you or a Veteran friend is in crisis, please reach out by calling VA's Veteran Crisis Line [login to see] (press 1) or text to 838255

Response by Andi Martinez made May 20 at 2021 3:45 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:45:48 -0400

Be sure to subscribe to VA's VetResources weekly newsletter here: https://www.va.gov/vetresources/
Resources you can use with VA and in the community.

vetresources

Response by Andi Martinez made May 20 at 2021 3:47 PM

Andi Martinez — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:47:51 -0400

If you want to access VA services or having challenges accessing VA services and benefits, please see our VA Welcome Kit and Quick Start Guides to learn more about how to apply and what you may be eligible to receive: VA WELCOME KIT! https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/

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 Maj Bonnie Carroll made May 20 at 2021 4:15 PM

Maj Bonnie Carroll — Thu, 20 May 2021 16:15:53 -0400

We are so grateful to RallyPoint, the VA, and all organizations representing the care and programs for all military survivors. Please know TAPS is here 24/7 to provide comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. We honor our military service members by caring for all those they loved and left behind. Your TAPS family is here for you at 800.959.TAPS (8277) or TAPS.org. With gratitude and hope, Bonnie Carroll

Response by Andi Martinez made May 21 at 2021 3:48 PM

Andi Martinez — Fri, 21 May 2021 15:48:43 -0400

Announcing the Veteran Household Financial Health & Planning Survey
Student Veterans of America (SVA) is excited to share its first annual survey on veteran households’ financial health and planning designed to improve financial health and literacy in the veteran community. Reports on the financial health of general population households often overlook the specific and unique needs of veteran households. This survey seeks to close this gap and help policy makers and stakeholders understand how the GI Bill, VA home loans, and other public programs impact veterans’ lives. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and the deadline to participate is June 20th.
https://studentveterans.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fp5Yw5402YgByS?Channel=VA

Response by Andi Martinez made May 21 at 2021 3:49 PM

Andi Martinez — Fri, 21 May 2021 15:49:11 -0400

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is proud to present a virtual competition unlike any other for America’s youngest heroes. They’re teaming up with host Jocko Sims to celebrate all the incredible and unique talents our country’s military and veteran kids have to offer. Social media toolkit attached.

Whether it’s dancing, hula hooping, dunking, cooking, painting, drumming, singing - they can’t wait to showcase the talent of children in the military community! Enter for a chance to be featured in their show this summer and take home some prizes.

The top six winners will receive a FREE three-night family vacation for four to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida! The deadline for submissions is May 28th.

Learn more at Military Kids Have Talent - Hidden Heroes

Response by Andi Martinez made May 21 at 2021 3:51 PM

Andi Martinez — Fri, 21 May 2021 15:51:36 -0400

COVID-19 Update:
VA is now expanding walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations to offer this service at all VA facilities and clinics that offer COVID-19 vaccines. The urgency to vaccinate as many eligible individuals as quickly as possible remains a top priority for VA, and this service ensures that all Veterans, spouses, caregivers, and those authorized under the SAVE LIVES Act have an opportunity to receive COVID-19 vaccination from VA. The effort is in support of the President’s goal of administering at least one vaccine shot to 70% of the U.S. adult population by July 4, 2021.
VA encourages those who wish to get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment to check their local facility’s walk-in hours/requirements. VA vaccination clinics are not open 24 hours. Our priority remains the safety of all those receiving vaccine from VA. Individuals taking advantage of walk-in vaccination may need to wait for the vaccine to be prepared, and will be screened when entering a VA facility. Face masks are mandatory for all and physical distancing measures will be in place.
The primary goal of the VA COVID-19 vaccination effort is to protect those we serve from COVID-19, including Veterans, their spouses, caregivers, employees and federal partners. Through this effort, VA has vaccinated more than 2.5 million Veterans, 25,000 spouses and over 60,000 individuals under the SAVE LIVES Act.