Posted on May 6, 2020
Veterans Experience Live (VetXL): Survivors Together - Memorial Day Q&A with Community Partners answering questions about benefits
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The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners TAPS, American Gold Star Mothers, AAFMAA, Wounded Warrior Project, Travis Manion Foundation, American Red Cross, and Gold Star Wives of America will be here on May 20th at 3PM EST to answer questions.
You can ask questions to the following people:
RDML Ann Duff- Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance
SSgt Danny Devine - Executive Director of Engagement and Memorial Innovations, NCA
Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, TAPS
Mona Gunn - National President, American Gold Star Mothers
BG Michael Meese - President, AAFMAA
LTG Michael Linnington - CEO, Wounded Warrior Project
Amy Looney - Vice President, Travis Manion Foundation
Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
Nancy Menagh - President of Gold Star Wives of America
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.
National Cemetery Administration-
NCA will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies. All VA national cemeteries will be open Memorial Day weekend from dawn to dusk for public visitation.
Starting May 14, Veterans Legacy Memorial will permit online visitors to leave a “tribute” text at http://www.va.gov/remember
Effective, Wednesday, April 15, 2020, to ensure social distancing at the cemetery, witnessing family members have been asked to view the interment from their cars or the road very near their cars. Families may visit the gravesite in the days following the interment consistent with CDC guidelines and local travel restrictions. Click here to learn more about burial benefits and the Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.cem.va.gov/
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).
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.
AAFMAA-
Established in 1879, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) is the longest-standing, not-for-profit financial solutions provider supporting military and veteran families. At the heart of AAFMAA is a unique and unsurpassed level of care for our Members’ survivors. When a Member dies, an AAFMAA Survivor Assistance Services counselor assists the surviving spouse and family to get all of the benefits earned through military service and continues to assist them for the rest of their lives. Just since 9/11, AAFMAA has provided over $900 million to military families—not as a charity, but as a mutual Association—with Members helping other Members at the passing of a loved one.
Wounded Warrior Project-
Wounded Warrior Project is transforming the way America’s injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities. Since 2003, we’ve been tireless advocates for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of warriors and their families. Warriors never pay a penny for our programs – because they paid their dues on the battlefield. Our free services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care change lives. We’re committed to helping injured veterans achieve their highest ambitions. When they’re ready to start their next mission, we stand ready to serve.
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
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization made up of Gold Star spouses of both men and women.
Formed in 1945, our membership spans all eras from WWII to current. Our spouses died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces or from their service connected disability as a result of that service, including PTSD/suicide. Our mission is to preserve and enhance benefits for surviving US Military spouses and children;
to help or members and their children face the future with courage and determination; and to honor the memory of our military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.
You can ask questions to the following people:
RDML Ann Duff- Director of the Office of Survivors Assistance
SSgt Danny Devine - Executive Director of Engagement and Memorial Innovations, NCA
Maj Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, TAPS
Mona Gunn - National President, American Gold Star Mothers
BG Michael Meese - President, AAFMAA
LTG Michael Linnington - CEO, Wounded Warrior Project
Amy Looney - Vice President, Travis Manion Foundation
Melissa Comeau - Director, American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
Nancy Menagh - President of Gold Star Wives of America
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.
National Cemetery Administration-
NCA will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies. All VA national cemeteries will be open Memorial Day weekend from dawn to dusk for public visitation.
Starting May 14, Veterans Legacy Memorial will permit online visitors to leave a “tribute” text at http://www.va.gov/remember
Effective, Wednesday, April 15, 2020, to ensure social distancing at the cemetery, witnessing family members have been asked to view the interment from their cars or the road very near their cars. Families may visit the gravesite in the days following the interment consistent with CDC guidelines and local travel restrictions. Click here to learn more about burial benefits and the Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.cem.va.gov/
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).
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.
AAFMAA-
Established in 1879, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA) is the longest-standing, not-for-profit financial solutions provider supporting military and veteran families. At the heart of AAFMAA is a unique and unsurpassed level of care for our Members’ survivors. When a Member dies, an AAFMAA Survivor Assistance Services counselor assists the surviving spouse and family to get all of the benefits earned through military service and continues to assist them for the rest of their lives. Just since 9/11, AAFMAA has provided over $900 million to military families—not as a charity, but as a mutual Association—with Members helping other Members at the passing of a loved one.
Wounded Warrior Project-
Wounded Warrior Project is transforming the way America’s injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities. Since 2003, we’ve been tireless advocates for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of warriors and their families. Warriors never pay a penny for our programs – because they paid their dues on the battlefield. Our free services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care change lives. We’re committed to helping injured veterans achieve their highest ambitions. When they’re ready to start their next mission, we stand ready to serve.
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
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization made up of Gold Star spouses of both men and women.
Formed in 1945, our membership spans all eras from WWII to current. Our spouses died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces or from their service connected disability as a result of that service, including PTSD/suicide. Our mission is to preserve and enhance benefits for surviving US Military spouses and children;
to help or members and their children face the future with courage and determination; and to honor the memory of our military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Memorial Day
Military Family
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
AAFMAA
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Memorial Day Military Family Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors AAFMAA
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 106
Do you think there should be a special dispensation for boy scouts putting flags on our fallen heroes graves?
Having had the privilege to serve for many years in our Air Force and support veteran and military family causes in retirement, I can assure you that the work you are performing for our veterans and survivors is greatly appreciated. Thank you for providing this important set of services to a population that is front of mind for every military leader – currently serving and veterans alike. Given any changes to your operating cadence that have occurred recently due to the pandemic, what should survivors know before they engage with your programs at this time?
Mona Gunn
Thank you General Schwartz for your kind words and for your service. Our website, at http://www.goldstarmoms.com is full of information about our organization. Our members are Mothers who have lost their child while they were active duty military, or as the result of their service, or are missing in action. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit service organization-we strive to keep the memories of our children alive through service to veterans, active duty military, military families and our communities. Contact information is available on our website.
American Gold Star Mothers Inc.
American Gold Star Mothers Inc.
Melissa Comeau
Thank you, General Schwartz. I am so glad you are with us today. The Hero Care Network at Red Cross enables us to provide critical services to military members, veterans and their families all over the world. They can access these Red Cross services by downloading the FREE Red Cross Hero Care App on any Apple or Android device. The Hero Care Network offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources worldwide. We have been able to adapt to the COVID-19 situation by offering more of our support online, including Resiliency Workshop for veterans, families, caregivers and survivors.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your question, General Schwartz. Military survivors should know that TAPS is here 24/7 to provide comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS has been fortunate that we remain in full operation with the same services as before physical distancing requirements were established. We have shifted our in-person Seminars, Care Groups and TAPS Togethers to virtual programs ensure all survivors are able to connect wherever they are in their grief journey. We are very grateful to be able to provide comfort and care through our programs and services for survivors to connect remotely with the TAPS mission from within the safety of their own home. With gratitude for your service and support, Bonnie Carroll
RDML Ann Duff
As the Navy says, we are not returning to work, we've been working and now we're planning for our new normal. The Office of Survivor Assistance has continued its operational cadence as if we were actually in the building. Although most VA staffs have been able to similarly respond, there are a few who have been unable to maintain this tempo due to their jobs, locations and/or exposure so a simple call to verify their availability would be an excellent option.
I would like to know where I can get a book telling me all survivor benefits for Indiana
RDML Ann Duff
Susan -- there is a fabulous website -- https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits -- that lists all of the veteran and survivor benefits for each state. It is regularly updated and we always recommend that veterans and survivors take a look to see what their individual state offers.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello Susan, thank you for your comment and TAPS would be glad to support you and send you all the information for your survivor benefits for the state of Indiana, including federal, state and private sector benefits including education benefits (be sure to also check out our education portal at taps.org/education). To answer your question completely and accurately, please email [login to see] or call our TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277) so we can connect you with our Casework Advocates to ensure we address all your needs. Sending you love and gratitude for your courage, Bonnie Carroll
Maj Bonnie Carroll
TSgt LaDeane Palmar - Hello TSgt Palmer, Thank you for your service to our great nation. TAPS is the national non-profit organization providing comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. We understand there is an abundance of information and resources can be challenging to navigate. Please know TAPS is here 24/7 to ensure we are able to provide support and guidance navigating all survivor benefits regardless of how, where, or when our military loved ones died. Please call us at 800.959.TAPS(8277) or visit us at TAPS.org and share how we can help you. With care and support, Bonnie Carroll
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Susan Wingate - Hello Susan, we are so sorry you have had to go through these challenges following the loss of your husband. Please know we are here to offer you support 24/7. We have an incredible Casework Team who is standing by and ready to hear about how we can support you. Please call us anytime at 800.959.TAPS( 8277) or you can also email us at [login to see] and we are here to help. Sending you hope and love, Bonnie Carroll
Thank you all for doing this event. Do you see any knowledge gaps common to many survivor families? Meaning, are there any trends or common issues getting benefits that you see from multiple survivor families? If so, how do you address the shortfalls?
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello Ms. Ranaudo, thank you for your question. TAPS knows everyone's grief journey and grief experience is unique and we take very careful time to connect with each survivor to identify exactly what they need to support them on their grief journey. Each survivor has a dedicated team to include their own Survivor Care Team member to provide direct and immediate outreach, a Peer Mentor who shares a similar grief experience, and a Casework Advocate to support them in navigating benefits based on their relationship to their loved one, the duty status at the time of death, and branch of service. Thank you for your question and we are here 24/7 to provide additional information at 800.959.TAPS (8277). With gratitude and hope, Bonnie Carroll
RDML Ann Duff
This is a wonderful question, and unfortunately the answer is yes, and is one of the reasons our office was established in 2008. However, the issue isn’t any single data point, it is general awareness that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide variety of benefits to surviving family members. Our office often meets surviving family members years after losing their veteran who had no idea VA had benefits available. To address this, we participate in outreach events such as this, and work with partner organizations to share information with their members as well. VA also engages multiple media outlets to spread this information to as many people as possible, but we still need help from folks like you. So please, share what you know and encourage your friends and family to seek us and the other organizations participating today out. We are glad to help.
Melissa Comeau
I am so grateful that you have joined us today. At the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, we support end of life caregiving and this is where we field a lot questions about survivor benefits and what peer support is available as caregivers transition to survivors. Creating the soft bridge while working with wonderful organizations like TAPS.
You can learn more about our work here https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
You can learn more about our work here https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.
Nancy Menagh
There are a number of common areas we at GSW see come up often. One is reinstatement of benefits if a surviviing spouse remarries and then that marriage dissolves. Another is how to establish a claim in the case of suicide when the Veteran had not sought help from the VA for PTSD or TBI. As an organization, we try to reach out and educate whenever and whereever we can. We try to raise awareness of Gold Star spouses and children and be here to help them navigate the many issues they will face.
RallyPoint has tons of Veteran/Retiree members that utilize the VA for medical care. What are the most important things for them to know with regard to how the VA is operating in this new COVID world?
Mona Gunn
CPT Kletzing American Gold Star Mothers is one of the organizations that is listed as a Veterans Service Organizations with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We encourage and recruit members to volunteer at VA Medical Centers in their local communities. We are a part of the VA's Voluntary Service (VAVS) programs and support veterans giving countless volunteer hours. However, with the pandemic of COVID-19, all events and volunteer organizations have been canceled. Those who serve as regular or occasional volunteers are not allowed to report to their regular assignments. As soon as we are able to get back to volunteering we look forward to taking care of our veterans. We thank you for your service
SSgt Danny Devine
i too receive the bulk of my care from VA -- VHA has really opened up options for Telehealth -- and it has worked wonders for me. working with your primary care provider that may prove to be a good option in the virus world.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello CPT Kletzing, thank you for your question and your service to our great nation. TAPS is the national non-profit organization providing comfort, care, and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. In recognition of the current state of the world as we face this global pandemic, TAPS has launched a website for everyone to receive up to date live information on resources to support and cope with COVID-19. TAPS.org/COVID/Together. Please review and share this valuable tool with your community and know that TAPS is here. We are all in this together, Bonnie Carroll https://www.taps.org/covid/together
RDML Ann Duff
While this topic is not directly within our particular wheelhouse, you may find information on the actions VA has been taking to address COVID-19, and recommendations for veteran's here : https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/?utm_source=Homepage&utm_campaign=Coronavirus
Thank you for all you do to support our heroes and those of us who love them. I loved staying on base with my LTC hubbie who passed last March. As a survivor with current DOD mil ID card, do I have access to those bookings without Ed?
Mona Gunn
Peigi that's a great question and my condolences on the passing of your hubbie. As a a surviving mother and spouse, I can certainly answer your question. My Navy husband passed four years ago and we traveled a lot utilizing military lodging on installations of all branches of the services. That benefit is still available to you with your DOD military ID card.
RDML Ann Duff
Peigi -- thanks for your question and please accept our condolences on the loss of your husband. As a survivor of a military retiree, you are still eligible for many of the amenities and privileges available on base -- subject of course to availability. It is always best to check with the specific location to verify individual policies.
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Hello Peigi, thank you for your comment and we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, LTC Fabian. We honor and remember his life and service. To answer your question, please call our TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline at 800.959.TAPS (8277) so we can connect you with our phenomenal team to ensure we address all your needs. Sending you love and gratitude for your courage, Bonnie Carroll
I am deeply honored to be able to contribute to Surviving Together. Thank you to all the service members, veterans, families, caregivers and survivors for participating today. It is my hope that this Memorial Day will be observed in a way that is meaningful to each of you.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in today's Survivors Together: Department of Veteran Affairs Memorial Day w/ Community Partners. We are honored to take part, alongside many other great advocates and organizations. If you have further questions on Travis Manion Foundation and our support to our survivors, veterans, and military community members, please visit our website: https://www.travismanion.org/
Thank you!
Thank you!
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.
I spend a lot of time pushing the DoD to innovate and solve some of our biggest challenges across the Services and Agencies. However, I've never really thought about innovating around one of life’s biggest milestones: how we die and improving that awful experience for those who care for us. What do your organizations do to innovate around this event that 100% of us will experience?
Maj Bonnie Carroll
Lt Col Grider, thank you for your question and your service. TAPS is a family of survivors providing 24/7 support to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Our founding core services allow us to meet survivors wherever they are in their journey of grief, and we're available 24/7. TAPS stands shoulder to shoulder with each branch of service, and other public-private partnerships to ensure all survivors are cared for following the death of their military loved one. TAPS provides Peer-Based Emotional Support in the form of seminars, retreats, expeditions and care groups at no cost to the family regardless of relationship or circustance of death. Survivors are part of the TAPS family forever which is why we are able to support families as their grief shifts and needs evolve. TAPS Casework and Education Support Services support survivors to navigate both government and private benefits specific to their relationship to their loved one, the duty status at the time of death, and how they died. We also have our 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline staffed by peer-professionals highly trained in crisis intervention and providing peer-based emotional support. With gratitude for your support and service, Bonnie Carroll
Amy Looney
Hello Lt Col Grider- Thank you for your question and we are all collectively playing a part to ensure the notification process and explanation of benefits to our families of the fallen remain at the forefront of all priorities. At the Travis Manion Foundation, we offer a holistic approach to healing that supports all survivors. Grief has many stages and TMF's programming helps with redefining new purpose after loss, establishing new meaning for life after loss and building new relationships that can help support you in your journey of grief. TMF focuses on a continuum of care that works with survivors throughout all stages of grief and empowers them to become leaders in their community. As survivors become more resilient through our Expeditions, TMF provides various opportunities to serve in their community, including a platform in our Character Does Matter program to become role models for future generations while sharing their fallen hero's story. This type of engagement with the community and honoring their fallen loved one provides a type of healing that is done by no other organization. TMF offers support at all stages as opposed to one singular type of support.
RDML Ann Duff
Radio -- thanks for your continued service to the nation. From the survivor perspective, OSA has done a lot of outreach to try to get the word out to veterans before they pass. And we're always available to speak to any groups. VBA has a fabulous publication called Planning your Legacy -- https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/docs/VASurvivorsKit.pdf -- it is a great tool veterans and/or spouses and dependents can use to bring up the questions that need to be answered.
SSgt Danny Devine
NCA is moving more and more to access to benefit information, application through pre need and virtual memorialization. three links: https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp
https://www.cem.va.gov/pre-need/
http://www.va.gov/remember
https://www.cem.va.gov/pre-need/
http://www.va.gov/remember
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