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VetXL: Survivors Together – Live Q&A with VA and Community Partners. What are your questions?
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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 (Join to see) - 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
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 (Join to see) - 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
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Mental Health
Family
Caregiver
Memorial Day
Responses: 34
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?
Wow! This is a serious commitment of organizations and the VA leadership. This is great to see the forum established for an important discussion.
LTC Hugo Lentze
Thank you for joining us today LTC John Shaw, and thank you for your service! We are honored to serve alongside so many great Americans.
LTC John Shaw
Melissa Comeau - Melissa C. I love to see the VA commitment to reaching out to veterans in all available forums! We have to find those homeless and non-connected veterans, it takes each person looking for at risk veterans, family members and caregivers.
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)
RDML Ann Duff
ADM Harvey -- thanks for the question. Despite the travel bans in place over the past year, the Office of Survivor Assistance has continues to interact with survivors and other stakeholders over platforms like Zoom and TEAMS. We do our best to be available as much as possible and are always available via email at [login to see]
Pete Jeffries
Thanks for asking ADM Harvey. We've found an uptick in followers and increased participation in our live webcasts and live chats on our AARP Caregivers Facebook Page. Feel free to share this link with your friends and colleagues so they know there are folks out here to help provide support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ [login to see] 69053
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
Kylie Willis
Thank you for your question sir! Children of Fallen Patriots is always seeking ways to more effectively connect with our students to provide assistance and career-building opportunities. We are always available through our website, phone, and email.
http://www.fallenpatriots.org/contact
[login to see]
[login to see]
http://www.fallenpatriots.org/contact
[login to see]
[login to see]
LTC Hugo Lentze
Thank you for your question ADM Harvey, and thank you for you service to our country. COVID has been a forcing function, in a good way, to be able to reach more survivors and keep them connected through phone calls to check in with people, virtual social events over Zoom, and virtual community-building activities. While face to face is always best, COVID prevented that, so we pivoted and leveraged virtual capabilities to bring survivors closer together. In the future, we will maintain this virtual capability as well as our previous in-person capability.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your service, PVT Zehner. We are glad to have you join us on RallyPoint and look forward to answering any questions you may have.
LTC Hugo Lentze
Thank you PVT Mark Zehner for your service. We would love for you to join our mission with other veterans and families of the fallen, to leverage your skills to help strengthen the character of future generations while uniting our communities. Join us at http://www.travismanion.org and see how you can get involved.
Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.
Pete Jeffries
If you're looking for more free resources and news you can use info, check out our website for Veterans & Military Families: AARP.org/Veterans
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! ❤
LTC Hugo Lentze
Thank you for sharing your hero with us, Kylie Willis and we are so very sorry for your loss. TMF is grateful for other amazing VSOs like CFP that are a crucial factor for our surviving youth. We would love to have you join the mission alongside other veterans and families of the fallen at http://www.travismanion.org
Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.
Kylie Willis
LTC Hugo Lentze - I would love too, I've submitted my personal contact info on the TMF website! Additionally, CFP is always looking for ways to engage with our students - maybe there's an opportunity we can explore together such as creating an event based in your mission set for our students and families to participate. Please let me know if this may be something you'd think is worth looking into - my email is [login to see] .
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?
Leah Christensen
Thank you, CPT David Gowel . The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) can assist families in connecting to the services and support they are eligible for at VA and in the community. As experts in caregiving, the CSP staff are aware of the many resources available and can assist a family in system navigation. There is a CSP team at every VA. You can find your local CSP team at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp.
RDML Ann Duff
Great question CPT Gowel -- The loss of a loved one is nearly always devastating, and those first few days are often particularly challenging. It's important to remember that programs and services for the survivor community are geared around their own pace. While many feel a sense of urgency to act, it is alright to move at the pace the survivor is comfortable with. Having information on resources standing by, such as VA or other peer support programs such as TAPS is a great place to start.
Kylie Willis
Wonderful question! For those families that have children, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation stands by and ready to assist with the undergraduate education for those students. We encourage families to enroll all students in their families regardless of age or college status. Our enrollment form is simple and can be filled out online: https://www.fallenpatriots.org/enroll-a-student
Once enrolled, the family will have an assigned Scholarship Administrator to walk with them step-by-step throughout the scholarship process.
Additionally, Children of Fallen Patriots is proud to partner with and refer out to additional resources that may provide assistance in areas that we do not to ensure all gaps are filled.
Once enrolled, the family will have an assigned Scholarship Administrator to walk with them step-by-step throughout the scholarship process.
Additionally, Children of Fallen Patriots is proud to partner with and refer out to additional resources that may provide assistance in areas that we do not to ensure all gaps are filled.
LTC Hugo Lentze
Thank you for the great question CPT Gowel and thanks for having us today. This is a great question. The best advice we can give is "you do not have to do this alone" and there are so many wonderful VSOs out there that are there to help and support you. Become part of your community. Here at Travis Manion Foundation, we concentrate on the philosophy of personal growth through positive psychology. We honor the fallen by challenging the living to grow through grief by honoring the legacy of their loved ones by serving others. Survivors (and veterans alike) can easily join the mission at http://www.travismanion.org
Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.
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?
Pete Jeffries
Great question, thanks for asking. AARP collaborated with our friends at Elizabeth Dole Foundation and put together this fact sheet of tips to be sure caregivers of Veterans and Military wouldn't overlook. Hope it helps: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/coronavirus-military-caregiver-tips.html?intcmp=AE-HF-FFR-VC-VET-R5C3-LL5
We also trimmed down our 48 page Military Caregiving Guide into a smaller, more condensed handbook: AARP.org/VetsCareHandbook
Hope you find this useful!
We also trimmed down our 48 page Military Caregiving Guide into a smaller, more condensed handbook: AARP.org/VetsCareHandbook
Hope you find this useful!
Kylie Willis
Even with all of its challenges, COVID has allowed Children of Fallen Patriots to explore and expand partnerships with many partner organizations and donors that are interested in providing opportunities beyond financial assistance for our students.
One of the most notable areas we've been able to expand is providing students opportunities to connect directly with organizations (via Zoom) that provide professional development, internship, and even hiring opportunities.
We are excited to continue these ventures and continue to expand the resources we are able to offer our Gold Star and Surviving student population.
http://www.fallenpatriots.org
One of the most notable areas we've been able to expand is providing students opportunities to connect directly with organizations (via Zoom) that provide professional development, internship, and even hiring opportunities.
We are excited to continue these ventures and continue to expand the resources we are able to offer our Gold Star and Surviving student population.
http://www.fallenpatriots.org
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. We believe a college education is the single most important gift we can give these children.
Delaney Heffner
The SAVE LIVES act also allowed VA to provide the COVID-19 vaccination to Caregivers of Veterans. For additional information please visit: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5649
LTC Hugo Lentze
Thank you for the question and your service Capt Charters. The challenges of Covid pushed our organization to create new campaigns and initiatives to support and engage our members. We created a nationwide buddy check program to connect our members with people near and far. We also started a webinar series focused on Well Being Topics of interest.
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.
RDML Ann Duff
CSM Alvarado Ramos -- Yes, we'd love to strengthen our ties with the State Departments of Veteran Affairs. While we offer information about the individual state benefits to our survivors, we can definitely conquer more hurdles together. The new administration's reorganization that aligns OSA with VBA will help.
Kylie Willis
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is proud to partner with and refer students and families out to other organizations that may provide assistance additional to or different from what Fallen Patriots is able to provide. Please check out our Scholar Resource page for additional family and educational resources for the families and children of our fallen heroes!
https://www.fallenpatriots.org/scholar-resources
https://www.fallenpatriots.org/scholar-resources
Delaney Heffner
Andi - I would also suggest checking out this website for dependents eligible for CHAMPVA. You'll find information for Caregivers and when they may be eligible for CHAMPVA. https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/index.asp
LTC Hugo Lentze
Great question Andi, Expeditions with Travis Manion Foundation are a great opportunity for survivors to connect with other survivors, and honor their fallen hero through a service project in the local community that we travel to. Check here for a list of upcoming TMF expeditions for Teens and Adult survivors.
CSM Alfie (Lourdes) Alvarado Ramos
Their State Department of Veterans Affairs is a great resource to apply for benefits, get connected to local benefits and also to the community. Each state has one, some are large, others limited, but all will do a warm handoff when they are unable to serve the surviving family member.
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We standby and ready to assist those families that continue to reach out for assistance with their student's undergraduate education - now more than ever, it is important to ensure that our students leave college with a meaningful experience and free of debt.