VETERANS CHRONICLE AUGUST 20, 2021
PENTAGON 9/11 ATTACK CONTINUES TO IMPACT LOCAL LIVES SEE PAGES 6-7
A member of the military walks the grounds of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial before the start of the September 11th Pentagon Memorial Observance at the Pentagon, Sept. 11, 2018. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Health Registries for veterans, their children Veterans' Descendants Health Registries The National Birth Defect Registry is the only National birth defect registry in the United States. This registry is sponsored by Birth Defect Research for Children. It has two special sections that collect data on military exposures in Vietnam and during the Gulf War. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers two rare disease patient registries as well. Find more information at lovme.org/home-page/ veteran-descendants-healthregisitries/
Veterans' Environmental Health Registries Agent Orange Registry, Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, Gulf War Registry (includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn), Ionizing Radiation Registry, Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center, Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Illness Registry, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry and Atsugi Registry. Find more information at lovme.org/home-page/ veterans-environmentalhealth-registries/
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A warning sign stands in a field contaminated with dioxin in 2012 near Danang airport at a ceremony marking the start of a project to clean up dioxin left over from the Vietnam War, at a former U.S. military base in Danang, Vietnam. The sign reads: “Dioxin contamination zone – livestock, poultry and fishery operations not permitted.”
VA to reconsider thousands of denied herbicide exposure claims
Veterans who were previously denied service connection for an herbicide-related presumptive condition due to lack of in-country Vietnam service will now have their claims automatically readjudicated by the VA. The department began readjudicating claims in April for veterans who served in the offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, but were denied for one or more herbicide related conditions. The denial may have been made on the basis that military service was not performed on the landmass of the Republic of Vietnam or on its inland waterways. Now, this could change.
“Readjudication means VA will review the evidence of record and provide replacement decisions in the cases of veterans who were previously denied service connection benefits,” said Thomas Murphy, Acting VA Undersecretary for Benefits. “We have the proper resources in place to meet the needs of our veteran community and will ensure all eligible veterans’ and their survivors’ claims are examined thoroughly and fairly.” The review also applies to eligible survivors of deceased Vietnam-era veterans and is part of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s implementation of the Nov. 5, 2020, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California order in Nehmer vs. U.S. De-
partment of Veterans Affairs, requiring the VA to readjudicate previously denied claims. The VA will determine benefits for qualifying disabilities can now be paid retroactively to the date of previously denied claims. The court’s decision requires automatic readjudication in such cases without requiring a new claim, and potentially paying benefits to survivors or estates of deceased beneficiaries. Does this sound like someone you know? Show them this article and have them check on their claim with their Veteran Service Officer or see the “How Can I Get Help” section on Page 5.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE VETERANS CHRONICLE A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW AUG. 20, 2021
VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe
MANAGING EDITOR Theresa Tanner
ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter
DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach
Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle on the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help. To share a story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com or visit www.VeteransHelpNet.com. For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
IN THIS ISSUE Herbicide claims reconsidered................................................................... 2 Hey Veterans, Did You Know?.................................................................... 4 How Can I Get Help?...................................................................................... 5 Memories of Pentagon and 9/11 tragedy.............................................. 6 Van pickups available.................................................................................... 7 A closer look at suicide................................................................................. 8 Helping someone in crisis............................................................................ 8 Paralyzed veterans honor Spokane VA.................................................... 9 Veteran Resource Guide .............................................................................. 9 Agent Orange Facts....................................................................................... 10 Coaching into Care......................................................................................... 11
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The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
HEY VETERANS, DID YOU KNOW ...? ... Type II diabetes may qualify you for VA benefits?
ment of Transportation, an estimated 35 million people will relocate this year. These numbers could increase with the following expansions: • Expanded criteria for eligibility among Vietnam-era veterans to those whose wartime service began on or after Nov. 1, 1955. The previous start date was Feb. 28, 1961. • Enhanced access to service members and some veterans of the National Guard. The new statutory authority extends eligibility to members of the National Guard who have been mobilized to perform full-time guard duty for at least 90 cumulative days, with 30 days being consecutive. Service members, veterans, and certain survivors with VA-guaranteed home loans or VA direct loans whose residences have been substantially damaged or destroyed in an area declared a major disaster by the President are now eligible to be charged a first-time use funding fee on a VA-guaranteed loan rather than a subsequent use funding fee. The borrower’s next VA-guaranteed loan must be for the repair of the damaged or destroyed residence or purchase or construction of a new home closed within three years of the Presidential disaster declaration.
If you develop Diabetes Mellitus (Type II), you are eligible for VA health care benefits and a monthly disability check. Due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, there are currently 17 listed diseases that automatically qualify you to receive compensation. Conditions secondary to diabetes are also covered, including neuropathy, chronic kidney failure and heart disease. Refer to the Resource Center on Page 5 of this publication and contact your Veterans Services Officer (VSO) for more information or for assistance in filing a claim. This is a free service.
... Veteran discounts can be accessed with a Veterans Identification Card (VIC)?
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a veteran ID Card and how to apply at www.va.gov/records/getveteran-id-cards/vic.
... Veterans and families receive free access to national parks, recreation areas?
The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and families for their service and invite them to enjoy national parks. Since Veterans Day 2020, Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans can receive free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. The free access program is
a way to thank America’s veterans and Gold Star Families for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters. On Nov. 11, 2020, agencies began issuing Interagency Military Passes to veterans and Gold Star Families upon request and with proof of eligibility. The entrance fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, transportation, special recreation permits, reservation fees, or special tours. For more information visit store.usgs.gov/ faq#US-Military.
... Veteran housing benefit laws have expanded?
Many
veterans
may
find
... If you're concerned about a veteran who's homeless or at risk of becoming homeless ...
themselves moving to a new address as they take advantage of the Department of Veterans Affairs expanded home loan program, which now includes additional benefits for eligible borrowers. The VA is currently implementing Public Law 116-
315 containing loan provisions for Vietnam War era veterans, eligible National Guard members, and service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed loans. According to the U.S. Depart-
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You or the veteran can talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free. For local help see “How Can I Get Help?” on Page 5.
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Veterans Affairs partners with Salesforce Military to teach job skills to veterans, spouses
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
GO ONLINE VA.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide
covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator The Department of Veterans Affairs is partnering with Salesforce Military (formerly called VETFORCE) to offer programs to help veterans and their spouses develop skills and employment options in the tech-driven economy. The partnership will build on existing programs and add new ones, offering free technical skills training, career development, and veteran-specific resources in a variety of areas, including: • VetSuccess on Campus • Veterans Opportunity to Work • Hiring our Heroes Fellowship • The Trailhead Military Program “Our military men and women are technologically savvy and the best trained in the world but translating those skills to the civilian workforce can be challenging. Finding positions in the technology field can be difficult for veterans and their spouses,” said VA National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships Nurse Executive
Tracy L. Weistreich, Ph.D. “This partnership will help change that by offering at-home training for great-paying jobs.” The program includes virtual, selfpaced skills training and opportunities to take Salesforce certification exams at no cost. Salesforce will help program participants connect with potential employers. The initiative will also educate veterans and their spouses about VA benefits, vocational readiness programs, and other resources. “This partnership allows us to support the military community with high-demand technology expertise and offer assistance during career transitions," said Salesforce Chief Impact Officer and Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations Suzanne DiBianca. “Our combined efforts with VA will help veterans and military spouses land growing careers in the technology ecosystem." More information about the program can be found at https://veterans.force. com/s/. To register for the free online learning platform, visit https://veterans.force. com/s/registration.
Friday, August 20, 2021
Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
IN PERSON
BY PHONE
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
(509) 477-3690
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Veteran Crisis Line
1 (800) 273-8255, press 1
North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884
Washington or Idaho 2-1-1
Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals. If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Tragedy at the Pentagon: A 9/11 story By Ruth Aresvik
VETERANS NET HELP CORRESPONDENT
Where were you when you heard the news? It's a date that needs no explanation. This Sept. 11 will mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on America that toppled the World Trade Center towers, penetrated the Pentagon, and changed a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, into hallowed ground. Someone says “9/11”, and conversations start. As a Navy Wave, I had worked at the Pentagon during the mid-70s for Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Zumwalt. Hearing and seeing the news about the Pentagon on that fateful day broke my military heart. For Kenneth Johnson, 9/11 brings back much more. “A slight breeze – crisp, cool - just a great day to be supporting our country working at the Pentagon.” Ken, an Army Sgt. 1st Class, worked as the Property Book Officer and Logistics Coordinator for the Chief of Staff of the Army. He had been there since the spring of 1995. His fiancée, Molly, was a civilian analyst in the Army Budget Office as of 1981. "That's how we met" says Ken. "And I had just proposed on Friday, September 7, 2001." That Tuesday morning, 9/11, they commuted together to the Pentagon. Because of fiscal year close-out activities, they arrived early for work, by 4:30 a.m. "We parted for our individual offices." Ken later left the building for a meeting. After the meeting, he returned to the Pentagon via the Metro subway system. As the train pulled into the station, he "heard a thunderous noise. I started up the escalator and into the building when a rush of personnel screaming and crying started exiting saying the Pentagon had just been attacked.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A large American flag is unfurled at the Pentagon ahead of ceremonies at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to honor the 184 people killed in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C., on Friday Sept. 11, 2020. It was impossible to re-enter the building, so he rushed to the south side heliport area where the plane had crashed into the Pentagon. Being a trained combat lifesaver, Ken immediately joined others. For 22 straight hours, he worked with rescue personnel until 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, all the while constantly paging Molly and trying to locate her. “My office only received smoke and water damage from the attack,” Ken says, “but Molly's office was in the direct path of the hijacked plane. During the early hours of the recovery, it was impossible to determine from the outside, the exact location of the numbered offices.
I worked beside another soldier who feared for his fiancée also. We put it in our heads that their respective offices were to the left of the collapsed section, and that maybe ... maybe ... they had escaped. But on Wednesday morning, when we had the chance to review blueprints, we realized we were wrong. They weren't to the left, they weren't to the right. They had been dead center. The hardest thing was to go home ... without her ... to see her new car parked in the driveway, or her hairbrush on the counter.” Molly was identified by the staff at Dover Air Force Base on Oct. 12, 2001, after a month and a day of waiting. Ken reflects:
"Molly was the devoted mother of two sweet girls, Lea, age 14, and Alana, age 11. She was a talented singer and musician who played the clarinet and the piano. She always had a smile, and was a true and loyal friend. She was a devout Christian who read her Bible every day before going to sleep." More than 215 attended her memorial service. Ken left the Army, but stayed on at the Pentagon in his same position as a Department of the Army civilian. “Staying on at the Pentagon after 9/11 was difficult,” said Ken. “Even though sensors were installed to prove otherwise, I (like others) could still smell jet fuel in the building.”
In 2008, Ken said goodbye to the Pentagon and accepted a position with TSA – Transportation Security Agency, a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, created in November 2001 as a response to the 9/11 attacks. “It seemed fitting for me to come here. I had been at the Pentagon for 13 years.” Some time later, Ken met Desiree through Christian Mingle. They dated for about eight months online and via phone calls. Desiree lived in Idaho; Ken was still in Washington, D.C. They finally arranged to meet in person and hug each See PENTAGON, PAGE 7
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VETERANS CHRONICLE TOP: On Sept. 11, 2001, a group of terrorists hijacked four planes, including one that was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon.
BOTTOM: Damage to the Pentagon caused during the 9/11 attacks in this image released by the FBI on March 30, 2017, showing the aftermath of the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crash into the Pentagon.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE FBI
PENTAGON
Continued from PAGE 6 other for the first time. He proposed the next day and they married shortly after. Ken was able to take a position as a Government Property Administration at the Hanford Nuclear Site in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and join Desiree to start their married life. He retired in 2020 af-
ter a total of 34 years combined service to our country. Ken and Desiree enjoy their retired life on their property on Rathdrum Mountain. He is involved with church activities, and is a member of the Rathdrum American Legion Post 154, where he is part of their Honor Guard. Our country is forever changed due to the events of that day. A total of 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks,
2,763 at the World Trade Center, including 403 firefighters, paramedics and police officers; 189 at the Pentagon; and 44 when the plane crashed in Pennsylvania. This September, our country will honor the fallen with various ceremonies and television documentaries. There will be many ways to watch, pay tribute and commemorate this date in history. Kenneth Johnson’s memories will be at the Pentagon.
VA Medical Center offers DAV van pickups around region Appointments for DAV van pick-ups can be made to and from the Spokane VA Medical Center. Van pick-ups for appointments at the Spokane VA Medical Center can be arranged by calling the DAV Transportation Office at (800) 325-7940. Pick-ups are available to and from Lewiston, Idaho, and the surrounding areas; Libby, Mont., and surround areas, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and surrounding areas; and Sandpoint, Idaho, and surrounding areas. All appointments must be made 72 hours in advance.
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HOW TO GET HELP FOR SOMEONE IN CRISIS If you, or anyone you know, are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out immediately. The Veterans and Military Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource, with support 24/7, that connects veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their family members with qualified, caring responders. The phone line, textmessaging service, and online chat provide free VA support for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and all veterans, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Anyone can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.veteranscrisisline. net/get-help/chat, or send a text message to 838255. The Veterans and Military Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified responders from VA. Many are veterans themselves. They understand what service members have been through and the challenges that members of the military and their loved ones face. For local help, see “How Can I Get Help?” on Page 5.
WHY DID HE DO IT? By Wesley Anderson
POST 51 CHAPLAIN/SERVICE OFFICER
Some weeks ago, in my capacity I assisted in setting up Military Honors. In my dealings with the family, I discovered that the veteran had committed suicide. Why is unknown. He was a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, a well-respected member of his community, a loving father, and a loving son. Then why did he take his own life? We may never know. The members of his family and community asked what we could have done, and why did he take his own life. What were the demons that haunted him? He was seeking counseling! So why? Veteran suicide is a growing issue and is a crisis that can only
be improved through recognition and discussion in society. However, one part of the story that is rarely recognized is how deep its history goes. This problem is not one limited to a single country or point in time, nor is its importance limited to awareness days. Military suicide has occurred for centuries around the world but has most often been overlooked or ignored. It is a difficult topic, yet, to save future lives and pay respect to those who took their own lives, that history must be researched, acknowledged, and debated. We also must not forget the women veterans. The issue of suicide among them is especially complex. Women in the military may deal with a complicated trauma history as well as greater scru-
Exploring the factors of veteran suicides
tiny of their emotional state and mental health Veteran suicide is a pandemic, the same as COVID. How can we cure it? There is no vaccine or no fast cure. But there are phone numbers, outreach facilities, and other ways to help combat it. The big question is how to get this information out to veterans in need. How do we help them in their time of need? We, as a community, have a moral obligation to see that all men and women veterans within the community have all the resources to help combat this pandemic which has taken veterans from their friends and families. These deaths have taken their toll on everyone with so many unanswered questions: What could
we have done? How could we have prevented it? What were the signs? All of these questions are almost unanswerable. We as a community must find answers these questions, and when we find them then we as a community must implement them. Simply put, men and women veterans are dying. It is crucial that we as a community recognize this, discuss it, and face it. What it comes down is that one veteran’s suicide is one too many. If this sounds like someone you know please see “How Can I Get Help?” on Page 5. Also see the related article about veterans in crisis and suicide help on this page.
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Paralyzed Veterans of America honors Spokane VA By Bret Bowers, PAO Brent King, Pacific Northwest Chapter President of Paralyzed Veterans of America and Army veteran, honored the leadership and staff at Spokane’s Mann-Grandstaff VAMC this spring with a personal tribute. King “pinned” each medical center leadership member with a custom-designed lapel/ lanyard pin depicting VHA’s 75-years in service, culminating with the COVID-19 outbreak and worldwide pandemic. He also purchased 1,400 more pins to ensure every medical center employee is thanked and recognized. “In the military, the National Defense Medal is issued to every member of the Armed Forces during times of war,” he said. “Clearly Spokane VA has been at war with COVID-19, something that has the potential to kill veterans, and this team has demonstrated courage under a ‘virus fire’ that threatened to overrun the perimeter of the delivery of the health care system.” He added that the staff has stood tall, even when exhausted. “They have fought the war in the hospital, and their families have borne the burden of their of their sacrifice too… and now the Spokane VA has joined our veteran ranks… as the tip of the spear,” Kind said. His kind gesture during the annual “VA2k Walk & Roll” event was something all of Spokane’s VA employees say they’re proud to wear and share for others to see. Nearly 100 VA staff and veterans participated in the VA2k, which in addition to a health and wellness event with a 2k walk around the medical center campus, also raises donations for homeless veterans in need. Volunteers from the American Red Cross helped register
COURTESY OF MANN-GRANDSTAFF VAMC
The Pacific Northwest Chapter President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Army Veteran Brent King, presents a special tribute to MannGrandstaff VAMC leadership and staff. staff and document donations during the event. Each VA staff member who participated received their new MGVAMC pin upon registration. MGVAMC’s Nutrition and Food Service and Health & Wellness team members organized the VA2k event, which had a lower turnout in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizer Lori Ruckhaber, a Registered Dietitian at VA, injected a new way to get staff moving – even well before the VA2k in 2021.
She created a Stair Step Challenge where staff received credit for all of their trips up/ down the eight-floor stairwell inside the main hospital. She also “crowned” the winners in multiple categories with special awards for their efforts. “It’s all about proper nutrition and exercise,” she said. After the VA2k she recognized more than a dozen VA staff in both group and individual categories. In all, they combined to take 17,339,531 (8,669 miles!) steps during the month
of May! “Way to Step it Up VA!” she smiled. King remains a staunch advocate for his fellow disabled/amputee veterans, something he’s been active in since he helped make the 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane a monumental success. A large, print mural of Brent King is posted outside the main entrance to the Executive Suite at the medical center, while an original painting of him was given to former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, General, U.S.
Army Retired. With many VA staff working from home, the majority of Mann-Grandstaff VAMC employees have not yet received their special pin from PVA. Leadership reassures everyone that the kindness of PVA and Veteran Brent King will not be overlooked. All employees will receive their commemorative pin either through a future staff meeting, an Employee Awards ceremony, or at the upcoming All-Employee picnic at MGVAMC.
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10 FACTS THAT EVERY VETERAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AGENT ORANGE: PART 2
Continuing to educate readers about the basics of VA’s Agent Orange benefits and care 4. Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation must file a claim.
Veterans who want to be considered for disability compensation for health problems related to Agent Orange exposure must file a claim at www.ebenefits.va.gov/ ebenefits/homepage During the claims process, the VA will check military records to confirm exposure to Agent Orange or qualifying military service. If necessary, a VA official will set up a separate exam for compensation.
5. VA offers health care benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service.
Veterans who served in Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, are eligible to enroll in VA health care. The list of eligible veterans has been expanded for a full list go to. VA.gov or www.va.gov/disability/ eligibility/hazardous-materialsexposure/agent-orange/
6. Participating in an Agent Orange Registry health exam helps you, other veterans, and the VA.
VA’s Agent Orange Registry health exam alerts veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to Agent Orange exposure during military
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A Vietnamese worker sprays water over stones to be used in the construction of a silo for storing soil contaminated with Agent Orange dioxide at the site of a former American airbase in Danang, Vietnam on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. The U.S. government is paying for a cleanup at the airbase, which was used during the Vietnam War to store Agent Orange defoliant since linked to illnesses and disabilities among Vietnamese. service. The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively. The exam is free to eligible Veterans and enrollment in VA health care is not necessary. Al-
though the findings of your exam may be used to inform your subsequent care, they may not be used when applying for compensation – a separate exam is required. Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordi-
nator (Michelle Traylor (509) 434-7544. Michelle.Traylor@ va.gov) about getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam. A complete list of all 10 items can be found on VeteransHelpNet.com. Part 3 will
be published in a future edition. Does this sound like someone you know? To find out more Visit VA.com or contact one of the resources in the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5.
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Coaching Into Care lets family, friends connect veterans to services
Coaching Into Care is a national telephone service of the VA which aims to educate, support, and empower family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a veteran. Its goal is to help veterans, family members, and other loved ones find the appropriate services at their local VA facilities and/or in their community. It also provides coaching to family and friends of veterans who see that a veteran in their life may be having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Coaching is provided by licensed psychologists or social workers, free of charge. Coaching involves helping callers figure out how to motivate the veteran to seek treatment. It can help callers get information about mental health, services at the VA and tips on how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one who is a veteran. To get started, call (888) 8237458.
What to Expect
Calls with a coach vary in length, but generally take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the issue. Coaching with an individual may extend for several calls and usually with the same coach.
When you call Coaching Into Care at (888) 823-7458, you will talk with a member of the VA team who specializes in helping callers determine the best way to help the veteran they care about and how to navigate the VA system. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time).
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