Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 9
Friday, March 18, 2022
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Why I get my health care at the VA
Veterans speak on value of vet centers By Bronwyn Emmet NATIONAL VETERANS OUTREACH OFFICE
Where do you go when you return from combat and need help readjusting to civilian life? These veterans found that Vet Centers – VA’s storefront centers staffed by combat veterans who understand what it’s like to transition – helped them the most. There, they got connected to community resources, VA benefits and services, and found someone to listen to their experiences. Here are some of their thoughts:
most important thing.
Karl
Vet Centers are really the best-kept secret within VA. It’s just one of those community resources that don’t get publicized as much as other programs.
Candace
What I was really experiencing was just a hard time readjusting. I really just needed to talk to somebody, I think.
They’re small. They’re community based. Most of the counselors have also served in a combat zone. When you call, you talk to a live person. You can get in right away. It’s help with no hassle. (Eligibility for Vet Centers has expanded greatly since the interview was recorded. To find out whether you are eligible, go to www.vetcenter. va.gov and click on eligibility.)
Jason
Jeffrey
Candace
I definitely ended up going through a lot of bouts of depression and PTSD. And I definitely had a hard time.
Karl
When I Google-searched “Veterans services” near Los Angeles, the first thing that came up was the Vet Center.
Jeffrey
What I like the most about going to the Vet Center is that I was with like-minded people. I was with people that I know have been through similar things that I’ve been through. Going in and getting counseling from VA…and realizing that you can get help is the
You can have group counseling. If you’re married or you have a significant other, you can have your significant other come in there for free counseling. There’s financial management aid there. They have representatives from different organizations come down there and help you with your claims, or compensation and pension, or any other issues that you’re having.
Candace
Eligibility for a Vet Center is any Veteran who has served in a combat zone as well as their family members, as well as any Veteran – male or female – who has experienced military sexual trauma
CANDACE (or) bereavement, which is the family members of Veterans who have died on active duty. (Eligibility for Vet Centers has expanded greatly since the interview was recorded. To find out whether you are eligible, go to www.vetcenter. va.gov and click on eligibility.)
Peter
The Vet Center is there to serve you. They tell you about your benefits. They provide both physical and sociological guidance.
Jason
It was another Veteran talking to me, so I felt like he understood a lot – where I came from and the combat experience. We had a brotherhood there, being with another Veteran talking to you instead of a therapist that really doesn’t know anything about war and combat.
Candace
Vet Center counselors know what it’s like to adjust and transition back to the civilian world, so they can relate. And sometimes people just need somebody to relate to them.
Dave
I’m taking action for my
JASON well-being.
Jeffrey
You walk into the Vet Center. There’s going to be someone right there. They’re going to ask you what’s going on and they’re going to help you out. Period.
JEFFREY
Apply for VA health care
Enrolling for VA health care is easier than ever before. Explore your eligibility today at www. choose.va.gov/health. The Spokane Vet Center is at 13109 Mirabeau Parkway in
Spokane Valley. The center can be reached at (509) 444-8387 or online at www.va.gov/spokanevet-center/. Bronwyn Emmet is a public affairs specialist for the National Veterans Outreach Office.
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