VA Benefits Intro: Spouse Benefits

As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits.

Find out more: www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/

#shorts #veterans #vabenefits

Community Veteran Groups From 10 States Gather to Share Best Practices

What makes a Veteran friendly community? Most will tell you it takes support from non-profits, interest from government officials, the backing of regional employers, and a whole lot of hard work. That’s what Community Veteran Engagement Boards (CVEB) do across the country – they bring everyone together to solve local challenges for Veterans and their families.

Learn more at: https://department.va.gov/veterans-experience/community-playbook/

Stay Connected with Veterans Resources: Subscribe to VA's Weekly Email

Attention veterans! Stay informed about the resources available to you through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Subscribe to their weekly email and receive benefits like free concert tickets, farming assistance, workout programs, national park passes, and veteran discounts. You can also find job listings and career mentoring opportunities, small business help, and information on Home Loans. All at no cost! Head over to VA.gov/VetResources to learn more and subscribe now. #VeteransResources #VA #BenefitsForVeterans

VA’s Million Veteran Program

1 in 10 Veterans in VA’s Million Veteran Program are women. If more women join, we can make more breakthroughs in diseases like breast cancer and heart disease where women deserve specialized care. Learn more & join today at www.mvp.va.gov.

VA's Caregiver Support Program | Get Paid to Care for Your Veteran | theSITREP

In this episode of theSITREP, Paul and Mike chat with Colleen Richardson about the Department of Veterans Affairs' Caregiver Support Program and how Caregivers are supported with a multitude of programs and services, to include a monetary stipend for qualified Caregivers. To learn more, visit the links below.

Have an idea or question you would like to see addressed in a future episode of theSITREP? Email us at theSITREP@va.gov. Please know we are not able to respond directly to your submission, but our team DOES review all of them and we appreciate your support in making theSITREP a success!

CONNECT WITH US

VA News | https://news.va.gov
Vet Resources eNewsletter | https://www.va.gov/VetResources
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deptvetaffairs
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-of-veterans-affairs
Twitter | https://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs

TOPIC LINKS

For additional information about Caregiver Support, visit:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov

For additional information about Caregiver Support (general), visit:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Care_Caregivers.asp

For additional information about Caregiver Support (comprehensive), visit:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp

ADDITIONAL VIDEO LINKS

For videos on VA Disability & Pensions, visit:

For videos on VA Health Care, visit:

For videos on VA Education, Entrepreneurship & Employment, visit:

For videos on VA Home Loans, visit:

For videos on Specialty Topics, visit:

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Colleen Richardson

Dr. Colleen Richardson serves as the Executive Director (ED) of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Dr. Richardson is the principal advisor for the Caregiver Support Program which provides resources and education to Veterans and their Caregivers. Dr. Richardson is currently responsible for the national implementation and oversight of two national programs and associated services for the CSP, the Program of General Caregiver Support Services and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. As the Executive Director of the CSP, her responsibility is to sustain the program in accordance with Public Law 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 and the VA MISSION Act of 2018. Dr. Richardson directs a Program Office with an annual budget of $1.8 billion, overseeing the delivery of care to more than 55,000 Veterans and caregivers.
Prior to joining the CSP, Dr. Richardson served as the Chief of Psychology at the North Texas Health Care System in Dallas, Texas where she oversaw the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) and the clinical practice of over 85 psychologists within the Mental Health Service. Dr. Richardson spent four years on Active Duty as a Navy Psychologist, and completed one combat deployment to Fallujah, Iraq with Regimental Combat Team – One, 1st Marine Division (MARDIV). She was the first female Operational Stress Control and Readiness Provider (OSCAR) embedded within the US Marine Corps infantry troops, providing frontline mental health support to Marines assigned to the 1st MARDIV. She was the first Program Director and Clinical Psychologist at Wounded Warrior Battalion – West, directing mental health care services for all the wounded Marines and Sailors, west of the Mississippi.

ABOUT THE VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is comprised of three different administrations:

(1) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Provides health care at 1,298 facilities, including 171 hospitals and 1,113 outpatient clinics, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.

(2) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) - Provides a variety of benefits and services for Service Members, Veterans, and their families including compensation, pension and fiduciary, insurance, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and more.

(3) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) - Provides burial space for Veterans and their eligible family members, and maintains national cemeteries as national shrines, sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there.

DISCLAIMER: The Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse or officially sanction any entities that may be discussed in this video, nor any media, products, or services they may provide.

#theSITREP #VetResources #VAbenefits

VR Event Feb

Check out VA.gov/outreach-and-events for upcoming free events for veterans and their families. On March 6, there's a TBI information session with BrainLine.org and VA is hosting a Virtual Women Veterans symposium. Plus, there are job fairs in Fort Bliss, TX on the 9th and a Women Veterans Summit in Raleigh, NC on the 7th. For more information, visit VA.gov or call 1-800-MyVA411. #Veterans #Events #VA #Health #Careers #WomenVeterans

VR5: Hire Military

Are you a veteran, service member, or military spouse looking for a career? Check out Hire Military, founded by veterans for veterans! Our team works hard to match you with the best opportunities and provide resources to help you transition. Follow us on LinkedIn for jobs, insights, and webinars. Visit HireMilitary.us to get started!
#veterans #MilitarySpouse #ServiceMembers

Free Events and Job Fairs for Veterans and Their Families

There are a variety of free events and job fairs happening throughout the US for Veterans and their families. Check out va.gov/outreach-and-events/ for upcoming free events and job fairs throughout the US. On Thursday, February 23rd, there’s a G.I. Jobs virtual job fair as well as an in-person job fair in San Diego. On Tuesday February 28, SkillBridge is hosting a hiring fair on Camp Lejeune North Carolina, and Heroes Make America is hosting a virtual hiring fair for manufacturing jobs. If you need help or more info about VA services, please go to va.gov or call 1-800-MyVA411. #VeteransJobs #HiringFair

VA Disability & VA Pension, what's the difference? | theSITREP

In this episode of theSITREP, Paul and Dan Newpher discuss the difference between VA Disability and VA Pensions. To learn more, visit the links below.

Have an idea or question you would like to see addressed in a future episode of theSITREP? Email us at theSITREP@va.gov. Please know we are not able to respond directly to your submission, but our team DOES review all of them and we appreciate your support in making theSITREP a success!

CONNECT WITH US

VA News | https://news.va.gov
Vet Resources eNewsletter | https://www.va.gov/VetResources
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deptvetaffairs
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-of-veterans-affairs
Twitter | https://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs

TOPIC LINKS

For additional information about VA Pensions, visit:
https://www.va.gov/pension/

For additional information about Aid & Attendance and Housebound, visit:
https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

For additional information for Surviving Spouses, Dependents & Parents, visit:
https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/

ADDITIONAL VIDEO LINKS

For videos on VA Disability & Pensions, visit:

For videos on VA Health Care, visit:

For videos on VA Education, Entrepreneurship & Employment, visit:

For videos on VA Home Loans, visit:

For videos on Specialty Topics, visit:

ABOUT THE VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is comprised of three different administrations:

(1) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Provides health care at 1,298 facilities, including 171 hospitals and 1,113 outpatient clinics, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.

(2) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) - Provides a variety of benefits and services for Service Members, Veterans, and their families including compensation, pension and fiduciary, insurance, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and more.

(3) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) - Provides burial space for Veterans and their eligible family members, and maintains national cemeteries as national shrines, sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there.

DISCLAIMER: The Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse or officially sanction any entities that may be discussed in this video, nor any media, products, or services they may provide.

#theSITREP #VetResources #VAbenefits

Nat’l. Vets Summer Sports Clinic, Nat’l. Vets Golden Age Games, Nat’l. Vets Wheelchair Games

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuQNdTH5xHY

Veterans from across the country participate in sports. The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, National Veterans Golden Age Games, and the National Veterans Wheelchair Games keeps Vets moving in the spirit of good health, fitness and community.

@sports4vets #vethealth #Veterans #TheBLUF

Visit on the web:
blogs.va.gov/nvspse/
wheelchairgames.org
news.va.gov

VA Benefits Intro: Disability Housing Grants

VA has three adapted housing grant types: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant, and Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA). Each grant type has different criteria for determining eligibility for the grant award.

***More Info***
- https://news.va.gov/84813/specially-adapted-housing-changes-help-seriously-disabled-veterans/
- https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/

VBA History in Focus: 100 Objects - African American Soldiers in the Civil War and Afterwards

In honor of Black History Month, the latest episode of VBA History in Focus: 100 Objects pays tribute to the more than 200,000 African Americans who served in the Union military during the Civil War. Black soldiers and sailors saw action in 39 major engagements and earned 26 Medals of Honor. After the war, they often struggled to obtain benefits from the federal government for their service. Despite the obstacles they encountered, thousands of Black Veterans successfully pursued their claims and received compensation for their service-related wounds or medical conditions.

This video is adapted from the History of VA in 100 Objects virtual exhibit:
VA.gov/HISTORY/100_Objects/

To learn more about the experiences of African American soldiers in the Civil War, visit Object 54 in the exhibit: Civil War Broadside Recruiting “Men of Color:”
VA.gov/HISTORY/100_Objects/054_USCT_Broadside.asp

VA Benefits Intro: Vet Tec Program

If you want to gain computer experience to start or advance your career in the high-technology industry, find out if you’re eligible for VA's Vet Tec Program.

***More Info ***
- https://news.va.gov/96715/vet-tec-student-veterans-poised-to-join-the-fast-growing-tech-industry/
- https://news.va.gov/80786/vet-tec-pilot-program-helps-veterans-improve-skills/
- https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/

Assault on the Tan Son Nhut Airbase

On January 31, 1968, Spc. 5 Dwight W. Birdwell's tank column was ambushed by three PAVN battalions. The lead tank was disabled by an explosion that prevented the following units from being able to push through the attack, followed by a coordinated assault from both sides of the road. After escorting his wounded tank commander to safety, Birdwell assumed his position. His actions in the ensuing battle helped inspire his fellow soldiers to press on against a larger force, ultimately leading to victory for U.S. forces at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. For heroism in this battle, Birdwell was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 5, 2022.

VA S.A.V.E Suicide Prevention Training 01.10.2023

This webinar provides VA CFBNP partners with information and resources to aid in eliminating Veterans’ suicide. This presentation is open to Veterans, their families, their beneficiaries, and the general public.

The panelists for this training are:

1. Lillie Mells, Program Manager Education & Training, Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA S.A.V.E Suicide Prevention Training 01.10.2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9ejIg6_--M

This webinar provides VA CFBNP partners with information and resources to aid in eliminating Veterans’ suicide. This presentation is open to Veterans, their families, their beneficiaries, and the general public.

The panelists for this training are:

1. Lillie Mells, Program Manager Education & Training, Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Suicide Prevention Training for Communities 07.27.2021

This webinar provides a briefing about Suicide Prevention Training for Veterans, their families, local community organizations, veterans support organizations and the general public.

The panelists for this training are:

1. Tiffany Chavis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Social Work Services, Durham VA Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

PACT Act - Doctor

If you served in the Vietnam, Gulf War, or Post-9/11 eras, you may be eligible for expanded VA benefits. A new law, known as The PACT Act, provides disability compensation, health care, free toxic exposure screens, and more, to Veterans who are exposed to toxins during their military service. You can submit a claim for your PACT Act-related benefits now. Claims received by August 10, 2023 may be paid back to August 10, 2022. Visit va.gov/PACT to learn more and file your claim. Visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MY-VA-411 to learn more and file your claim.

VA Health and Benefits App: One-Stop Shop for Veterans

Get quick access to all your VA health and benefits with the VA Health and Benefits app. This free tool allows you to view and cancel appointments, send and receive messages, download VA benefit letters, manage existing VA claims, and find the closest VA medical centers. Download the app on your iPhone or Android device and leave your feedback on the app store.

VA Benefits: Toxic Exposure Update

Calling all Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 eras! You may be eligible for new VA health care and benefits.

Go to VA.gov/PACT to see if you qualify.

PACT Act Times Square Billboard Video

The PACT Act expands benefits and extends eligibility for Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other hazards. Find out how these changes can help you and your family get the care and benefits you've earned and deserve. Billboard video in Times Square dates: November 2022 – February 2023.

VA Video Connect: VA's Secure App for Video Visits.

Are you a Veteran looking for an easier way to connect with VA health care providers? VA Video Connect is an app that allows you to meet with VA health care providers on your smartphone, computer, or tablet. With the Caregiver Connect scheduling option, you can even invite up to five guests, such as a caregiver or family member, to attend your visit. It's a great option for those with health conditions or limited access to VA facilities, or when there's a lack of time to attend in-person appointments. Visit telehealth.va.gov to learn more.

PACT Act - Caregivers

If you served in the Vietnam, Gulf War, or Post-9/11 eras, you may be eligible for expanded VA benefits. A new law, known as The PACT Act, provides disability compensation, health care, free toxic exposure screens, and more, to Veterans who are exposed to toxins during their military service. You can submit a claim for your PACT Act-related benefits now. Claims received by August 10, 2023 may be paid back to August 10, 2022. Visit va.gov/PACT to learn more and file your claim. Visit va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MY-VA-411 to learn more and file your claim.

VA Life: Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance for Veterans

Are you a Veteran looking for life insurance? Look no further! The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a new program called VA Life that offers guaranteed acceptance of whole-life insurance coverage to Veterans 80 and under with any level of service-connected disability. Some Veterans 81 and older may also be eligible. This program doesn't require a medical exam or ask health questions and the premium rates are locked in for the life of the policy. Get more information now at benefits.va.gov/insurance.

#HonoringVets: Steve McQueen

After his time in the Marine Corps, Steve McQueen used the G.I. Bill, to take acting lessons in New York. He went on to star in the 1958 horror film “The Blob,” the CBS Western series “Wanted: Dead or Alive” and the 1960 Western film “The Magnificent Seven.” His anti-hero characters led him to be regarded as one of the most popular actors of the 1960s and 1970s and known by fans as “The King of Cool.” #HonoringVets